Offshore platform located in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Chad Teer

[Via Satellite 11-23-2015] RigNet has signed an agreement with O3b Networks to bring high capacity, low latency connectivity to operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Under the agreement, the operator will deploy O3bEnergy, O3b’s high-performance service designed to meet the needs of offshore and remote site energy operators. RigNet expects the deal will enable significant improvements in productivity, operating efficiencies and safety for its customer.

Using Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, the O3bEnergy solution brings lower cost and faster connectivity that allows offshore crews to use thin-clients for cloud applications that were difficult to impossible to use with high-latency, traditional Geostationary (GEO) satellite connections. Steerable spot beams mean any platform can be connected quickly, and the capacity can be moved or increased depending on the needs of the customer’s facilities. O3b’s solution also helps to future proof network build outs for oil energy providers, offering unlimited scalability.

“In the past, getting low-latency, high capacity and affordable connectivity into offshore environments has been quite a challenge for energy operators,” said Simon Maher, vice president of enterprise at O3b Networks. “Not only will O3bEnergy support critical voice communications and operational control systems, it will also provide improved data capabilities that will boost morale of offshore workers to help them stay connected socially, as well.”