KVH Industries has introduced the TracPhone LTE-1 global marine communications system designed to provide recreational boaters and commercial mariners in more than 150 countries with internet access up to 20 miles offshore.

TracPhone LTE-1 utilises LTE Advanced (LTE-A) cellular network technology, which is faster than regular 4G LTE, and builds on KVH’s U.S.-only TracPhone LTE-1, which was introduced in 2018.

With its ultra-compact 34 cm (13.5 inch) dome, the TracPhone LTE-1 Global is suitable for small and mid-size recreational boats such as sailboats, centre console boats, and sportfishers as well as smaller commercial fishing and work boats that often rely solely on cellphones for internet access close to shore.

The TracPhone LTE-1 Global is designed to enable various applications for mobile connectivity, such as streaming HD videos and music; Wi-Fi-based voice, messaging, collaboration, and video applications; browsing the Internet; and posting on social media—all while offshore.

“With our LTE-1 Global, vessels in more than 150 countries—from a center console in Fort Lauderdale to a fishing fleet in southeast Asia—can experience internet access farther offshore than would be possible with their cell phones alone,” said Brent Bruun, chief operating officer for KVH. “The affordable, easy-to-install system means boaters can enjoy their connected lives while on the water and marine operators can optimise their businesses.”

Designed for a fast, affordable, and reliable extended-range mobile internet experience, the TracPhone LTE-1 Global features a dual high-gain antenna array, modem, GPS, and Wi-Fi inside the dome, with a multi-carrier SIM to allow switching and roaming between LTE-equipped carriers. A single cable connects the antenna to a belowdecks Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injector to provide power to the system. The TracPhone LTE-1 Global supports wireless and wired connectivity with integrated Wi-Fi and belowdecks LAN port so multiple people onboard can use their personal devices to access the internet with the TracPhone LTE-1 Global.