Voice Service Overview

KVH’s enhanced voice service – Voice over IP (VoIP) optimized for satellite communications – allows you to make and receive phone calls via the KVH antenna system's VSAT connection. Voice traffic is given priority on the mini-VSAT BroadbandKVH ONE network over standard Internet data to ensure the highest quality voice connections at all times.

IMPORTANT! The voice service will not provide Automatic Number Identification or Automatic Location Information capabilities associated with emergency services, such as 911 or E911. In addition, the voice service will not work in the event of either a network service outage or a power failure. Therefore, it is critical that you maintain your vessel’s separate distress and safety communications system for emergency calls. Be sure to inform anyone who may use the antenna system of the limitations of emergency services. The manufacturer, distributor, and service provider shall not be liable for, and expressly disclaim, any direct or indirect damages, claims, losses, expenses, liabilities, actions, risks, or harms arising out of or related to the services provided through this equipment, including without limitation, emergency services.

How the Voice Service Works

When you dial a phone number using the ship’s analog phone, the antenna system converts its analog signal into digital VoIP data and transmits it over the VSAT network to an Internet-based SIP (session initiation protocol) server. The digital VoIP data is then converted back into its original analog signal and routed via a proxy server to the appropriate public switched telephone network (PSTN). Finally, the telephone network’s carrier completes the call to ring the desired shore phone line.

IMPORTANT! The antenna's VSAT connection is used for all VoIP calls. If VSAT is unavailable, you may place a voice call over the cellular or Wi-Fi connection using your smartphone (see Wi-Fi Calling).

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