RigNet links oil rigs using latest satellite technology

Out on the sea, oil rigs are only as good as their communications system. While reliable connectivity minimises non-productive time, it also boosts the morale of personnel by linking them to the outside world. Establishing communication, however, becomes more challenging with distance and harsh weather. RigNet addresses these concerns by combining its global footprint with best-in-class technology as the world's leading provider of remote communications services dedicated to the oil and gas industry.

"We are in every oil and gas hotspot because we put people and resources wherever the industry operates," says Hector Maytorena, RigNet's group vice-president for the eastern hemisphere. "Give us your worst condition, and we'll give you connectivity."

With a presence in more than 45 countries across six continents, the company has the largest geographic footprint in the market. In particular, RigNet has more installations of offshore Voice over Internet Protocol than any other rig communications provider. The company also owns and operates the world's largest over-the-water digital microwave network spanning more than 38,000 sq km in the Gulf of Mexico.

In the Asia-Pacific, RigNet is the partner of choice for national oil companies and other industry giants in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and Australia.

"We move at industry speed," Maytorena says. "We design our solutions to match the fast pace of the oil and gas market."

The company's acquisition of Inmarsat's energy broadband business, for example, introduces into the industry the use of high-throughput satellite solutions. Known as the Global Xpress platform, this medium is far superior to the traditional very small aperture terminal in terms of speed. To cover the whole range of benefits from this revolutionary technology, RigNet is also collaborating with two other providers of high-throughput satellite solutions - Intelsat and O3b.