A O3b satellite prior to launch. Photo: O3b

[Via Satellite 11-21-2014] O3b Networks and Hermes Datacomms have partnered to deliver advanced communications services to a major energy customer in Angola. O3b and Hermes will provide ultra low latency services to deployed bases and camps in Angola before extending network reach offshore. The end-to-end service will seamlessly connect the customers’ sites in Africa with corporate and operational centers in Europe through O3b’s integrated gateway and backhaul network.

“Oil and gas operators increasingly tell us that they need higher throughput combined with low latency to cope with the significant amounts of data that is being generated within their operational networks. Advanced communications services are number one on their list of priorities. O3b offers the solution and will improve the efficiency of our customers’ operations by enabling applications that are so critical to their success,” said Barry Bouwmeester, account manager at Hermes.

The service will allow the energy industry to enable cloud-based applications and stream HD video to remote and offshore areas that could only have minimal connectivity or had to replicate IT infrastructure onsite, according to John Finney, chief commercial officer at O3b.