I was surprised to hear critical sentiments against satellite connectivity solutions from panelists at the opening session of the Offshore Communications show, especially since the panelists reached consensus that the biggest challenge facing offshore oil and gas companies, when it comes to broadband connectivity, is affordability. This conversation confused me a bit and raises some questions – If the alternative is installing undersea fiber cables, how could purchasing satellite capacity be more expensive? Does cost-effective offshore fiber connectivity exist?
   I made a note to myself to look up the costs associated with such a massive construction project and started doing some preliminary research. I was surprised, once again, to discover that the same oil companies who were critical of satellite’s affordability were also heavily invested with partners on fiber optic drilling and construction projects. So, if you add up the costs of the investments with the construction costs of the undersea fiber, is it still cheaper than purchasing satellite capacity? Or, is this a strategic way of marketing your own connectivity solution to competitors?
   Let’s keep the fiber/satellite debate in the appropriate arena. If the argument is over performance and architecture, then I can understand some companies going one way or the other. But, don’t tell your professional peers that being cost-effective is your biggest challenge while you’re heavily invested in fiber projects and then blame satellite for your lack of options.