KVH Names Star-Tech Marine Electronics its 2009 Workboat Dealer of the Year

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) named Star-Tech Marine Electronics its 2009 Dealer of the Year in the commercial workboat category. A longtime KVH dealer, Star-Tech Marine Electronics stood out in 2009 by helping to bring KVH's TracPhone® V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) network to commercial mariners in the Gulf of Mexico.

"We are honored to be chosen for this award," says Troy Naquin, salesman for Star-Tech Marine Electronics. "Right around the time KVH introduced their leasing program we were talking about the future of Star-Tech, and we realized that communications in the oil and gas industry was one niche that could work hand and hand with our existing services. When we first presented the TracPhone V7, our customers were really impressed with the compact dome and the service packages. Plus, the folks at KVH are very easy to work with and the tech support is great, which makes it easier for us to keep our customers happy!"

"We are excited to recognize Star-Tech Marine Electronics for their proven dedication to KVH products," says Steve Griffin, commercial marine sales manager for KVH. "The Star-Tech staff, with their comprehensive knowledge of our products, provides outstanding customer service to KVH customers, and they have quickly become one of our largest commercial TracPhone V7 dealers in North America. Star-Tech's decision to sell KVH's TracPhone V7 has proven beneficial for all parties, particularly the customers who get to enjoy KVH's rugged, affordable hardware and network along with excellent customer service."

The mini-VSAT Broadband service, along with the KVH TracPhone V7 antenna, comprise the first end-to-end 24-inch VSAT antenna, service, and support package available for maritime communications. Currently, seven secure earth stations around the globe, together with seven of the world's most powerful communications satellites, bring affordable, high-speed Internet connections and crystal clear voice service to maritime customers through the KVH mini-VSAT Broadband network. These features, paired with affordable airtime plans and an expanding network of coverage, are invaluable for commercial vessels, providing increased operational efficiency and more frequent communication with home offices. The TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband also offer more affordable calls home and easier access to personal e-mail and Internet news, useful for boosting crew morale.

Please visit www.kvh.com for more information about KVH's extensive line of satellite TV, satellite communications, and digital compass products for the marine market.

Visit www.startechmarine.com for more information about Star-Tech Marine Electronics.

Note to editors: High-resolution, press-ready images of the TracPhone V7 hardware and installations on commercial vessels are available at http://press.kvh.com for download and editorial use.

About KVH Industries, Inc.

Middletown, RI-based KVH Industries, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, KVH Europe A/S, are leading providers of in-motion satellite TV and communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 150,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH's mission is to connect mobile customers around the globe with the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet services that they enjoy in their homes and offices.

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, those discussed in KVH's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments.

KVH and TracPhone are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark of KVH Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

SOURCE KVH Industries, Inc.