Schlumberger and BT Wireless Launch Wireless Broadband for Offshore Workers

Schlumberger and British Telecom (BT) have launched the world’s first public wireless broadband service for offshore and remote oil and gas drilling rigs and production platforms. The service allows offshore workers to communicate more easily with friends and family back home using e-mail, instant messaging and web cam.

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. 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.

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.