Why NI?

We Don’t Show Up with Something to Sell, We Work to Conquer Your Challenges

Experienced, Trusted, Staying on Top of Shifts in Technology, Managed to be Adaptable and for the Long-term

One Partner to Manage – Complete Range of Capabilities and Full Life Cycle Management

We Adapt to Your Needs – Pricing, Delivery, Support, Existing Infrastructure and Legacy Systems

Big Enough to Get Almost Any Job Done, Small Enough to Care

We Live Our Values

Our Story

Our Past

Founded in 1989, Network Innovations began by providing traditional terrestrial communications but quickly realised the growing need for always-available satellite connectivity. From the outset, we closely aligned ourselves with important manufacturers and satellite operators, creating strong industry partnerships that allowed us to push the boundaries of ground and satellite communications at the time — including being the first to video broadcast from 8,000 feet.

In 1997, we began work with the Canadian government to provide welfare and morale services for Canadian troops in Afghanistan, giving soldiers more privacy and time to connect with their families.  As the strength of our team and services became evident to many of the Coalition allies, our presence in Afghanistan grew to support not only the morale and welfare but also the operational needs of many NATO forces operating in theatre.

Back home in Canada, we developed a robust mobile satellite presence and started creating our own engineered products to meet gaps in capabilities of third-party systems that prevented us from delivering a complete solution.  The success of NI in Afghanistan led to an international expansion that involved a number of strategic acquisitions and new office start-ups.

Our Present

Today, the demand for greater interoperability, automation, remote control, integrated real-time data networks, and cost efficiencies is accelerating.

In response, Network Innovations continues our history of leading the critical communications industry through the building out a complete set of technologies and field service capabilities that go well beyond the communications focused needs of customers.

Not resting on our history, we continue to aggressively invest in maintaining our market leadership within North America while growing our reach and presence in Europe, Africa, the Pacific Rim, and Australia.  With over 200 of the industry’s finest professionals located in 15 offices on five continents, NI has the experience and resources to Succeed. Anywhere. regardless of their mission.

Our subsidiaries include NIC4, a rapidly growing provider of innovative and reliable communications to various U.S. Government departments and agencies; Fusion Marine, the premiere marine electronics and electrical services partner serving the commercial maritime industry in the U.S.; and Field Intell, a leading supplier of IoT solutions for remote monitoring and control serving clients in oil and gas, mining, utilities, and agriculture.

Our Future

Thirty years is just the beginning. We have been around long enough to know sustainable growth hinges on the strength of our partnerships, listening to our customers, and adapting to change.

As businesses and governments embrace digital transformation within their own enterprises to create more value for their customers through new operating models, Network Innovations will be there, working alongside and itself evolving, enabling our customers to Succeed. Anywhere.

Timeline

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  • 1989
    Founded

    Founded 1989 in Calgary, Canada

  • 1996
    Mobile Satellite

    NI supplements network division with Mobile Satellite

  • 1996
    Thrane & Thrane

    NI becomes Thrane & Thrane distributor and Inmarsat Airtime reseller of

  • 1997
    Mini-M Launch

    NI is the first in the Western Hemisphere to launch the Thrane & Thrane Mini-M at the Vancouver Mining Show,

  • 1999
    Beta Tests Inmarsat GAN

    NI becomes the first Inmarsat GAN partner beta testing using the “golden” reference terminal (production unit 0001)

  • 2000
    Everest Broadcast Possible

    NI sets up the first video broadcast via Inmarsat GAN (128Kbps) from 8,000 ft summit, Mt Everest live broadcast is possible

  • 2001
    Phone Cards for Mini-M

    NI launches first rechargeable Mini-M scratch and phone cards providing morale and welfare for Canadian troops deployed in Afghanistan

  • 2007
    NATO Contracts

    NI begins 3-year stretch winning numerous contracts with various NATO defense forces

  • 2008
    GMPCS Joins

    GMPCS (US) Joins Network Innovations (Canada)

  • 2009
    Iridium DP

    NI becomes an Iridium Distribution Partner both for Telephony and SBD

  • 2011
    2 Connect-IT Joins

    2 Connect-IT (NL) joins Network Innovations

  • 2011
    Opens NIC4 Office

    NI opens NIC4 office dedicated to support the strenuous security requirements required to support US Government communications

  • 2013
    Singapore Office Opens

    NI opens office in Singapore (Asia/PAC)

  • 2013
    First GX VAR

    NI becomes the first Inmarsat GX VAR for Enterprise, Global Government & Maritime

  • 2014
    Year of Firsts

    NI first GX live video broadcast, FX commercial installation and first GX fixed commercial clients

  • 2015
    VSAT Service Launch

    NI’s MAVERICK High Availability service changed the playing field for occasional-use and multi-service VSAT Solutions

  • 2015
    Australia Offices Open

    NI opens Australia offices in Perth, Sydney

  • 2016
    UK Office

    NI opens new office in the UK

  • 2017
    IDG Europe/Aero Joins

    IDG Europe/Aero (Sweden) joins Network Innovations

  • 2017
    Able Communications Joins

    Able Communications (Houston) joins Network Innovations

  • 2018
    Expands Maritime Operations

    NI expands maritime operations to include service/installation with the addition of Broadband Services Now

  • 2018
    First Iridium Certus Service Providers

    NI announced as one of the first Iridium Certus Service Providers

  • 2018
    Fusion Marine Technology

    NI is able to provide end-to-end maritime services and support with Fusion Marine Technology

  • 2018
    South Africa Office

    NI expands into South Africa with a new office in Cape Town

  • 2018
    Celebrates 30 Years

    NI Celebrates 30 years providing innovative, leading communication solutions

  • 2019
    Field Intelligence Joins

    Field Intelligence (San Diego) joins Network Innovations

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Leadership

Network Innovations leadership is more than a collection of credentials and titles. Working side-by-side with teams all over the world, our executives exemplify our commitment to our partners, customers, and internal teams. They are determined to lead an agile and sustainable business that delivers innovative solutions ensuring that our customers can Succeed. Anywhere. whatever their mission. By anticipating future industry trends and customer needs, and by adopting emerging technologies, they ensure Network Innovations is well-positioned for the long-term.
Tim Harkema, CEO

Tim joined Network Innovations in 1991 and became President and CEO in 1996. He led the company through a period of rapid growth scaling its capabilities to support Canadian, US and other coalition forces serving in Afghanistan…

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Derek Dawson, Group President

Derek brought his leadership skills to Network Innovations in 2015 and gives direction on corporate strategy, product – market development, and organizational innovation…

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Andrew Burdall, CFO

Since joining Network Innovations in 2018, Andrew has made considerable improvements across group financial processes and company budgeting. His forward-thinking mindset ensures Network Innovations is prepared for the future….

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Chad Gatlin, President, NIC4

Chad joined Network Innovations in 2013 as COO of NIC4, our U.S. subsidiary focused on the U.S. government business portfolio. Chad has worked in satellite communications and the federal government contracting area for over 10 years…

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Cliff Melton, President, Fusion Marine

Cliff served in the USN as a nuke electrician on the submarine fleet.  After being honorably discharged, he worked for the next 17 years on the fishing and workboat fleet out of Seattle for…

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Ronald Valkenburg, President, NI EMEA

After joining the military service as a tank platoon commander, Ronald started his career at Dutch IT company SIMAC selling satellite solutions for the transport, media and government markets…

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Eric Verheylewegen, President, NI Americas

Eric has been in the satellite communications industry for over 20 years, starting with us in 1995. He established the company’s mobile satellite division, developed its sales and operations, and made it a leading service provider of Inmarsat services…

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Frank Czulo, VP Networks

Frank joined Network Innovations in 2011. As the General Manager for South Afghanistan, Frank led the team which delivered prime contract satellite services to government customers such as the USMC, the Canadian DND, UK MOD, USAF, NC3A as well as other ISAF…

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Matt George, VP Global Maritime Sales

Matt has over 24 years experience in all aspects of the maritime industry, including owning a successful marine electronics installation business. Matt’s continued drive for maritime growth has led to successful…

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Gopinath Ramanan, VP Products

Gopinath Ramanan (Gope) leads our Products division which includes Product Management and Development for a variety of new hardware and software solutions…

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Art Gomez, Division President, Field Intelligence

Arturo Gomez, founded Field Intelligence, Inc. after 20 years in the transport, agribusiness and technology industries with companies including American President Lines…

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David Pratt, Division Vice President, Fusion Marine Technologies

David J. Pratt has over two decades of experience in marine technology. He started off with eight years of honorable service in the US Navy, where he specialized…

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Patti Runnalls, VP Finance

Patti Runnalls joined the Network Group in September 2010.  Prior to joining Network, she held the position of VP Finance and CFO for a private group…

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Bryce Saunders, VP Network Planning & Engineering

Joining Network Innovations in 2004, Bryce has held many professional and leadership roles at NI, most recently leading the IT group through global transformation and consolidation…

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Alan Skinner, VP Land Sales Americas

Alan Skinner joined Network Innovations in 2016, bringing over 25 years of experience in the satellite communications industry. Prior to joining NI…

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Join Our Team

Careers

Employment Opportunities

 

Field Services Representative (FSR) Various Locations in USA
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Marine Electronics and Electrical Technician Seattle, Washington USA
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Software Developer Calgary, Alberta CA
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Communications Bench Technician Pearland, Texas (Houston) USA
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Operations Logistics Coordinator Pearland Texas (Houston) USA
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Account Manager – LMR/Microwave/Satellite Pearland Texas (Houston) USA
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RF Engineer Calgary, Alberta CA
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Edge Network Engineer Calgary, Alberta CA
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Technical Engineer Eersel, NL
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Network Engineer Calgary, Alberta CA
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Credentials

Partners

Addvalue Innovation

Provides state-of-the-art satellite-based communication and other innovative digital broadband products and solutions for a variety of connectivity between humans, between machines, and between humans and machines.

Applied Satellite Engineering

Leading Iridium Value Added Manufacturer of SATCOM solutions including docking stations, fixed terminals, resilience solutions, and more.

AQYR

Builds compact and highly transportable VSAT Terminals for Ka, Ku and X- Band Networks.

Beam Communications

Beam offers an extensive range of certified docking stations and terminals for the major mobile satellite networks such as Iridium, Inmarsat and Thuraya, across land and sea applications.

C-COM Satellite Systems

C-COM is the world’s leading provider of commercial grade auto-acquire mobile satellite antenna systems.

Cobham

Our satellite and radio communication terminals perform in the most challenging and remote environments on land, at sea and in the air. We design and manufacture these high performance products under the AVIATOR, EXPLORER, SAILOR and Sea Tel brands providing customers with outstanding performance, value and support through our global sales and service network

Datapath

DataPath’s installed base exceeds 4,500 satellite terminals deployed worldwide across military, government and broadcast sectors. In addition, more than one million end-point devices located on all seven continents including Antarctica are managed by our MaxView network monitor and control software.

Eutelsat

One of the world’s leading satellite operators with a powerful fleet of satellites serving users across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Flightcell

The world’s only all-in-one solution for global voice, data, messaging, and flight tracking.

Furuno

Leading Japanese electronics company whose main products are marine electronics, including radar systems, fish finders and navigational instruments.

Hughes

Leading Japanese electronics company whose main products are marine electronics, including radar systems, fish finders and navigational instruments.

Inmarsat

Inmarsat offers an unrivalled portfolio of global satcom network solutions and value-added services.

Intellian

Intellian is a provider of stabilized satellite antenna systems. Its products are built on patented RF, stabilization and tracking technologies.

Intelsat

Operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost -effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world.

Iridium

Iridium is a satellite communications company that offers the only truly global voice and data communications coverage.

JPS Interop

Designs, manufactures, and sells electronic hardware and software products that enhance radio interoperability with ROIP, SIP, and RTP protocols.

Kymeta

Novel flat-panel antenna manufacturer, software-enables, meta-materials based electronic beamforming.

Ligado Networks

Proven and versatile MSAT PTT network covering North America.

LiveU

Pioneering portable, cellular backpack solutions for reliable and high-quality video streaming and live broadcasting using HVEC live video transmission.

Motorola Solutions

Worldwide leader in mission-critical communications products, solutions & services for communities & businesses building off of its heritage in two-day radios.

Paradigm

Paradigm is a satellite communications solution provider that specializes in satellite terminals and earth stations; specifically the SWARM ultra-portable and extremely rugged antenna.

Peplink

Use Load Balancing and SpeedFusion bandwidth bonding to deliver superfast VoIP, video streaming, and data using an SD-WAN enabled network.

Satcube

Satcube is determined to simplify Satellite Communications by creating products that remove the complexity and reduce the cost of broadband connectivity.

Simrad

Leading global manufacturer of Marine Chartplotters, Autopilots & Entertainment for sports fishing boats, motor boats & luxury cruisers.

ST Engineering iDirect

Bringing together two satellite industry leaders, Newtec and iDirect, with a goal to create the world’s most advanced satellite ground capabilities.

Tampa Microwave

An international leader in the design and production of military-grade Manpack and Flyaway satellite terminals.

Telesat

Telesat is a global satellite operator serving customers in broadcast, telecom, corporate and government markets.

Thales

Thales is solving the essential communications challenges faced by people on a mission in the air, at sea and in remote parts of the world. So, no matter where your operation takes you, Thales delivers.