Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has extended the capabilities of its microwave backbone in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) through the introduction of a new 'Stabilized Microwave' service. Designed to expand the reach of Inmarsat's industry-leading GoM network to include deep-water structures, the 'Stabilized Microwave' device will offer higher bandwidth and lower latency, enabling clients to experience the same quality of service as they would in their on-shore offices.
The new service has been developed in conjunction with Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS), one of the world's leading innovators of antenna aiming, tracking, and stabilization systems and LLOG Exploration, the leading privately-owned E&P company in the Gulf of Mexico and one of the top 10 private oil and gas companies in the United States.
'Stabilized Microwave' is initially being deployed in the Mississippi Canyon Field in the GoM, but will also have a beneficial impact on operators in other deep-water areas. The innovative technology will enable Inmarsat to expand its microwave network into the much deeper waters off the shelf of the Gulf.
The new service is delivered through a last mile radio link from Inmarsat's network backbone to LLOG's MC-547 Who Dat platform utilising a stabilized remote terminal 'looking back' to a fixed microwave dish. The stabilized system was produced by BATS and, combined with standard microwave radios connecting to Inmarsat's core network, delivers a high bandwidth, low latency service.
Gary Miller, Production Superintendent, LLOG Exploration, said: “The system has been functioning with good quality since installation. Voice quality over the system has been the favourite attribute from the crews; although the capacity/speed of the system is another positive result over the previous VSAT system.”
Gerbrand Schalkwijk, Vice President, Inmarsat Enterprise Energy, said: “Inmarsat has partnered with BATS to expand our service coverage capabilities in the Gulf of Mexico. By deploying their stabilized antenna system, we are able to extend broadband connectivity from our offshore microwave infrastructure to non-fixed and mobile locations that would normally be unable to receive these services.”
Phil Cramer, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing at Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS) said: “As the energy industry increases its demand for bandwidth, organizations are increasingly looking toward innovative technologies to enhance their infrastructure. We are excited to be working with Inmarsat to deliver to these organizations solutions that will add flexibility, capability, and control to their maritime networks.”
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com/about.
Jonathan Sinnatt
Head of Corporate Communications
+ 44 (0) 20 7728 1935
[email protected]
Greg Kalish
GK Communications
+ 1 516 6653292
[email protected]
Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS) provides a proprietary software and hardware platform that locates, locks and tracks wireless broadband communication access points. Through the use of its industry-first automated tracking and stabilization platform, BATS enables organizations to rapidly deploy massive capacity (Gb+), uninterrupted, fixed or mobile wireless networks over long distances without skilled technical resources.
Every day- whether on the battlefield, oil field, or airfield, BATS' technology is proven in some of the harshest environments on earth; providing organizations access to their critical communications. To learn more, visit: http://www.batswireless.com
LLOG Exploration Company is the premier private exploration and production company in the Gulf of Mexico and one of the top 10 private oil and gas producers in the United States. The Company is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana and has an office in Houston, Texas.
Since being founded in 1977, LLOG has grown into a company with interests in more than 137 blocks (80% undeveloped) in the Gulf of Mexico, net 2P reserves of over 200 million BOE, associated net possible reserves of 100 million BOE and (2011 net production averaging approximately 30 thousand BOEPD). Predominant areas of value are Mississippi Canyon, Green Canyon, High Island, Main Pass and South Timbalier.
