Elcano Awards Fleetwide VSAT Contract to MTN and Erzia
Joint Venture Teleport in Santander Key Factor in Selection
MIRAMAR, Fla., May 18, 2010 – MTN Satellite Communications (MTN), the global service provider of communications, connectivity and content services to remote locations around the world, and its Spanish joint-venture partner, ERZIA, have been selected to provide VSAT products and services for Empressa Naviera Elcano.
Under the agreement, MTN and ERZIA will provide C- and Ku-band VSAT connections for Elcano’s entire fleet of 11 vessels consisting of gas, bulk and petrochemical carriers sailing on routes worldwide.
“MTN’s seamless global VSAT coverage and guaranteed committed information rate ensure Elcano’s ships will always have access to reliable broadband connectivity,” said Ian Maxson-Davies, director of channel sales, MTN. “The ships’ crew will have high-speed Internet access with unlimited traffic and high-quality telephony services. We will also provide value-added services like traffic monitoring and prepaid crew calling cards.”
MTN last month announced the opening of its new Santander teleport in Spain. The teleport will be operated by ERZIA and will provide coverage over Europe, the Americas and Asia.
“Our partnership with MTN in building and operating the Santander teleport is an important step in offering the best VSAT solutions for the Spanish commercial shipping industry,” said Luis Garcia, managing director, ERZIA. “It provided a strong example of ERZIA’s expertise in the installation, maintenance and management of VSAT systems, and played a key role in winning the VSAT business for the Elcano fleet.”
About MTN Satellite Communications
MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) is the global service provider of communications, connectivity and content services to remote locations around the world. MTN’s maritime VSAT solutions and global satellite communications network offer the reliability that only “Always On – Always Available” systems can provide. More than 600 vessels and land-based terminals worldwide, including commercial ships, offshore drilling and production sites, cruise ships, government and military vessels, private yachts, and ferries 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, onboard newspapers, banking services, direct payroll deposit for crew, and other enterprise solutions. MTN is based in Miramar, Fla. and has offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.mtnsat.com.
About ERZIA Technologies S.L.
ERZIA is a dynamic engineering firm specializing in the design and production of advanced RF and wireless communications and test systems for the aerospace industry. As experts in satellite link emulation and wireless intra-spacecraft communications, ERZIA is the choice supplier for the European Space Agency (ESA) and European space prime contractors. ERZIA is based in Santander, Spain. For more information, visit www.erzia.com.
About Elcano
Empresa Naviera Elcano, S.A, based in Madrid, is engaged in the shipping of bulk products, both solid (coal, ores, grain) and liquid (LNG, LPG, oil, oil products and chemical products). Elcano is the parent company of an international shipping group with subsidiaries in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina and other countries. In business for over 65 years, Elcano’s committed in offering its clients and charterers high quality customer service and professional management of their vessels. For more information, visit www.navieraelcano.com/eng.
