Many countries' digital economies depend on IoT connectivity. Now, Ericsson and Tampnet are extending this capability to offshore applications. By joining forces, the two companies hope to increase efficiency, worker safety, and reduce the carbon footprint at some of the world's toughest and most remote workplaces.

Based in Norway, Tampnet owns and operates some of the world's largest offshore high-capacity, low-latency communication networks, including the networks in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Offshore customers of Tampnet include the oil and gas, wind energy, maritime, and carrier markets. Ericsson has developed an IoT Accelerator whose management capabilities allow. sensors and remote monitoring equipment to be deployed.

The two companies aim to bring the same benefits of IoT connectivity to the offshore industry that land-based companies enjoy. Tampnet claims that in many instances, they have pioneered novel services and business models offshore that are later adopted onshore.

More than 8,500 enterprises worldwide already use the Ericsson IoT Accelerator-powered capabilities offered by CSP partners. SIM cards are used to deploy wearable devices on employees, equipment, and other assets, thereby enabling the immediate analysis of real-time data and the optimization of planning operations through Tampnet's 4G LTE network.

This technology allows operations, asset integrity, and maintenance teams to collect live data, connect with remote specialists, and complete projects quickly. This is with the assurance that all quality checks can be verified and completed immediately. By enhancing collaboration for day-to-day activities as well as specialist tasks, downtime is greatly reduced, coordination is improved, and pre-scope planning, safety, and preparation tasks are optimized.

Photo credit: Maria Lupan