The service, installed by the Schlumberger Information Solutions (SIS), has been operational on the Byford Dolphin rig in the North Sea during a three month trial. Wireless connectivity is provided over the rig’s main satellite link. The Wi-Fi service allows the 100+ workers to use wirelessly enabled laptops and PDAs, throughout the rig accommodation area, to access the internet as they would from any BT Openzone hotspot onshore.
The Byford Dolphin rig, managed by Dolphin Drilling Ltd, operates primarily in the North Sea. Despite the rig moves and distances, rig workers are still able to use Wireless Broadband to communicate with loved ones and friends back home.
Because of the success of the trial, Schlumberger will now roll-out the public wireless service globally for remote and offshore drilling and production operations. Demetrios Stellas, vice president for Digital Infrastructure, SIS, said: “Our industry is continually looking for new ways to improve the welfare and wellbeing of offshore and remote workers. Increasingly, offshore workers expect to have access to the internet services that they can get at home. We believe that this new service will be recognized as a real benefit by oil workers who often work in harsh and difficult environments both offshore and in frontier locations.”
Users can buy vouchers onboard or can subscribe to the service online. UK-based BT Total Broadband customers, who are members of the BT FON community and receive inclusive Wi-Fi minutes, can also take advantage of these when they are away working on the rig.
