Aug. 13, 2014

RigNet, Inc. has signed a renewal contract to serve a major global offshore drilling contractor, on an ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig operating today in the Barents Sea.

"This installation shows RigNet's commitment to developing innovative remote communications solutions in the Arctic region to support our energy customers," said Øyvind Folge, RigNet's Region Vice President, Scandinavia and Europe. "With this latest contract renewal and bandwidth upgrade, RigNet has shown the ability to accommodate the communication needs for expanding offshore rig operations in the Barents Sea."

RigNet has successfully upgraded the VSAT bandwidth for the rig to 8Mbps full duplex for operations in the Barents Sea close to 74 degrees north latitude.  RigNet has demonstrated the capability to provide cost efficient, high quality VSAT solutions with high uptime in the Barents Sea for several years.  

A high-performance and secure network is a high priority for the oil and gas community, ensuring effective and reliable communications, both offshore and onshore, and access to business-critical IT applications. Through this contract, RigNet is delivering a fully-managed end-to-end IP network solution using VSAT technology for last-mile connectivity. RigNet's fully managed network solutions ensure that the rig derives greater value from network services through increased standardization and innovation. The solution includes VoIP, enterprise data and Internet access services supported by 24/7 network monitoring and support from RigNet's Network Operations Center and, if required, local field technician support, with backhaul to the company's offices via MPLS connection.