KVH targets vendors with service-based IoT connectivity

摘要

Maritime application of the Internet of Things (IoT) was, for a long time, filed in the column of 'nice ideas'. The problem being that onboard connectivity has traditionally been so poor and erratic it simply wasn't practical to attempt to transfer Big Data to or from a vessel. In fact, the closest most ships got to IoT was the handwritten Noon Report. For equipment and engine manufacturers it's represented a significant obstacle to realising the vision of continuous, condition-based monitoring, analytics and maintenance. But for marine communications services provider KVH it provided food for thought. Best known as an antennae manufacturer and the largest VSAT operator in shipping, it launched AgilePlans in 2017, a connectivity as-a-service model. Whereas traditionally a shipowner or manager might pay tens of thousands for an antenna, or acquire it on a long-term lease, they could now purchase an antenna, airtime, warranty, shipping and installation for one monthly fee.