[SatNews] MTN Communications (MTN) reports its yacht industry leadership as it kicks-off activity at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), October 31 to November 4, 2013.

Customers increased demand for additional bandwidth on the MTN network by 61 percent over the same period 2012. This increase is a result of planned activity in highly-trafficked regions, particularly in the summer Mediterranean season, as well as winter in the Caribbean and South Pacific. MTN easily met this demand due to its flexibility and robust network offering, ideally suited to this market.

MTN’s continued growth further solidifies its leadership in delivering the speed, throughput and flexible terms demanded by this segment. More than 50 MTN employees are dedicated to the yacht market, including sales, network management, and support and yacht installations. Their job is to ensure each yacht gets delivered exactly what is expected and needed, wherever it is setting sail. These employees are mobile, and ready to travel and join a yacht if the customer requests on-site technical support. The company expects ongoing growth and revenues from new offerings in the coming year.

MTN provides secure and reliable yacht connectivity and content for leisure, business and mission-critical communications. The company brings more than 30 years’ experience in global VSAT (very small aperture terminal) satellite technology. MTN holds a tradition of constantly innovating the way it manages the industry’s largest and most redundant independently-run network.

“An important distinction between MTN and others is we own and operate our own global infrastructure,” Wagner said. “This is a unique position that sets MTN apart from the rest, who deliver service through virtual networks (VNOs), leasing services or reselling multiple networks as one. MTN has total control over its network and service. We are able to deliver on seasonality demands and flexible terms of service, building strong customer relationships. Our mix is essential to delivering the best communications solutions to the yacht market.”

Today, MTN provides voice, broadband Internet, high definition TV (HDTV) and news to yachts worldwide. The company supports the complex communications needs of large vessels that carry up to 5,000 passengers and crew in the yacht, cruise, government, energy and commercial shipping markets. MTN’s focus on yachts began six years ago due to its proven solutions addressing reliability, constant connectivity everywhere and delivery of the highest possible throughput.

MTN is extending its industry thought leadership with Derik Wagner, the managing director of yacht services for MTN, joining the Boards of the USSA and ISS. Wagner has designed and delivered communications solutions for the industry more than 15 years, including at MTN, France Telecom and Lucent. He has been a member of USSA since 2007 and ISS since 2011. He also is an anchor member of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. Wagner is a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Captain.

“I am delighted to have Derik as a Board Member because he is an industry executive with tenure in delivering innovative communications solutions,” said John Mann, chairman, USSA. “He also brings a unique perspective as a customer of maritime connectivity services himself.” MTN will exhibit at FLIBS Booth #632 in the Yacht Builders Tent. In addition, the company is a sponsor of the ISS Excellence Awards Gala and Innovation Award. The company is providing complimentary Wi-Fi to captains and crew at the Island Global Yachting (IGY) Anchor Club Lounge.