Begun in 1916 by a group of Dutch ship owners who saw how radio could be used in shipping, Radio Holland Group has come along way from Morse code.

The radio officers are long gone, too, having made way for satellite communications. The company still has offices in major shipping ports worldwide – more than 800 people work at more than 50 locations today.

This century, Radio Holland has evolved into a satellite airtime provider and also provides, installs and integrates maritime electronics.

This month, Radio Holland is sponsoring The Triton’s networking event on April 2 from 6-8 p.m. at its new Ft. Lauderdale office on Federal Highway at State Road 84. If you can’t make it this time, find out more about Radio Holland and what’s new in broadband from Nicolas Broderick, the company’s southeast regional manager.

Q. Tell us what you do.

Radio Holland Group is a specialized company in the supply, installation, integration and service of maritime electronics and is also known as a satellite airtime provider. The company employs more than 800 people worldwide in more than 54 branches, strategically located along all major shipping routes. Radio Holland is part of Imtech N.V., one of the world’s largest service providers in the field of electrical engineering, ICT and mechanical engineering.

Q. How long have you been working with megayachts?

We have been involved since the beginning in Europe. Radio Holland just celebrated 90 years.

Q. How is broadband changing marine communications?

Broadband has made the corporate office more versatile. The customer now has the option to be connected where and when they want to at the high speeds that they can get at home or in the office. Broadband communications also provides the ship’s owner and captain with tools to operate a vessel in a more efficient way as he or she can rely on up-to-date data to make decisions. We have a fully-dedicated Airtime department in Ft. Lauderdale; please stop by for any questions that you may have. 

Q. What new innovations are you working on to improve communications?

We are providing a one-stop shop for all communications. This is great for our customers as we can service the equipment when needed and determine if it is airtime or equipment failure if there is ever a problem. Most of our competitors will sell the airtime and equipment but do not have service technicians on staff to continue service worldwide. We sell and service VSAT and the  Inmarsat family which includes the newest technology of Fleet broadband and the Fleet family, Inmarsat C, SSAS (Ships Security Alert System) just to mention a few. Our airtime department can even supply crew calling cards and prepaid cards to keep everyone in touch with home.

Q. Why move to Ft. Lauderdale from Hollywood?

Our business has blossomed over the past few years. We felt it was necessary to be more accessible and closer to the yachting market in particular. Our staff is enjoying the increased interaction with captains and crew that our new location affords. We are also a representative for more than 60 brands of maritime products and this location provides added exposure to display our capabilities.

Q. Being that it’s such a large company, how do you make sure each customer gets personal attention?

Radio Holland has a quality management department that ensures service and sales are handled in a professional and efficient manor at all times. Every service gets rated and logged in our system and we rate the "first time right fix" as well as the captains’ response on the service provided. Radio Holland enjoys a high reputation worldwide as an all-around maritime electronics specialist. Unique is its worldwide ISO:9001 certification, granted by Llyods emphasizing Radio Holland’s focus on delivering quality at all times.

Q. What sets Radio Holland apart from the competition?

I would have to say the people who work in the company. Most of our technicians are factory-trained in multiple products and areas of navigation and communication equipment. Most technicians have also earned the distinction of becoming surveyors for the many class societies. We are a 24-7 company and always have someone on call to assist when necessary. Our worldwide capabilities enable us to schedule service at all 54 locations and we will follow the repair until it is completed and the customer is satisfied. We are truly a one stop shop for sales and service.