MIRAMAR, Fla. & HAMBURG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MTN Satellite Communications, a global provider of at-sea communications, connectivity and content services, announced today the formation of its new business unit, Commercial Shipping and Energy Services, to expand the company’s global presence and ability to meet the growing demand for at-sea connectivity on board commercial shipping and offshore energy vessels operating worldwide.

Building on its over 20 years experience in providing reliable, global VSAT satellite systems to the maritime industry, the Commercial Shipping and Energy Services business unit will be dedicated to providing a broad array of integrated turnkey services, including Internet access, VoIP, voice services, remote IT management, global vessel tracking, bandwidth optimization, real-time video capabilities, crew calling solutions, direct payroll deposit, and other enterprise solutions for remote access at sea.

MTN’s end-to-end solutions are delivered through its “Always On – Always Available” global VSAT satellite network. Today, the company’s global infrastructure includes 260 highly trained employees with over 70 field technicians that manage the network with real-time monitoring of system availability, global spare parts depot, and 24/7 customer support. Additionally, MTN has seven teleports strategically located throughout the world that access thirty different satellite beams for seamless C- and Ku-Band coverage.

"Investment has been going into strengthening our core capabilities while expanding our integrated services into new markets and channels," said Jonathan Weintraub, CEO of MTN Satellite Communications. "In recognition of our commitment to drive future growth of MTN, and the fact that we now have more than 500 VSAT terminals in service today, this focused business unit will streamline MTN’s approach to the market and will leverage our ability to give customers access to the most comprehensive suite of customizable VSAT services, global coverage, and state-of-the-art technology available today."

Leading the business unit as General Manager is Bradford C. Briggs, also Senior Vice President of MTN. Briggs brings over 15 years experience and knowledge of the satellite communications industry, and leadership of the SeaMobile Europe operation.

"As MTN continues to experience significant growth, we remain committed to the reputation that we have earned over the past 20 years as the industry leader in always-on VSAT connectivity. Our global VSAT satellite technology is an important asset that can bring significant value for commercial shipping and offshore energy companies by improving operational efficiencies and crew satisfaction, which we believe will best be realized by having this focused business unit," said Briggs. "Particularly with the addition of Holger Ritter and Nico Schlette and their proven expertise in commercial shipping, we've strengthened our management team overall, and found the right people to help build it into a valuable business."

Holger Ritter (43) brings over 20 years experience in sales and consulting of IT and communication solutions and services to the maritime industry. Ritter will play an instrumental role in the Commercial Shipping and Energy Services business unit by developing strategic relationships with customers and partners in the European, Middle East and African market. Previously he served as the Director of Global Sales for Becker Marine Systems Communication. Prior to Becker, he held management positions at ConneXion by Boeing, Vodafone and IBM. Ritter holds a BA in Business Administration from the State Economics Academy Stuttgart.

Nico Schlette (44) contributes more than 15 years experience in business development and consulting of IT and communication services and solutions to the maritime industry. Schlette will play an instrumental role in developing the Asian market with strategic customer and partner alliances for the Commercial Shipping and Energy Services business unit. Previously he served as the Director of Business Development for Becker Marine Systems Communication, Hamburg, Germany. Prior to Becker, he worked together with major European Telecommunication Operators and as a Strategic Management Consultant for Deutsche Bank. Schlette holds a business degree in Economics from Freie Universität Berlin.

The Commercial Shipping and Energy Services business unit is an expert team with extensive experience and commitment to providing innovative services, channel partner strategic alliances, and the most advanced global VSAT satellite technology available today.

About MTN Satellite Communications

MTN Satellite Communications is the leading global service provider of at-sea communications, connectivity and content services. MTN’s global VSAT satellite communications network offers the reliability that only “Always On – Always Available” systems can provide. More than 500 vessels worldwide, including cruise ships, government and military vessels, private yachts, ferries, offshore drilling and production sites, and commercial ships depend on MTN’s voice and data networks to allow them to “be in the middle of nowhere and at the center of everything.” Premium services include remote access for Internet, fixed and mobile phones, fax, television, on-board newspapers, banking services, direct payroll deposit for crew and other enterprise solutions. The Company is based in Miramar, Florida. For more information, visit www.mtnsat.com.