PetroCom Introduces New Technology for Offshore Industry

PetroCom LLC has begun construction and testing of the first digital cellular network in the Gulf of Mexico. Working with partners Siemens and Ericsson, PetroCom is introducing GSM technology to provide secure and high-speed communications for companies in the multi-billion dollar offshore industry. With offices in Houston, New Orleans and Lafayette, La., PetroCom is a cellular provider in the Gulf, with a coverage area stretching from Brownsville, Texas to Mobile, Ala. and as far offshore as 180 miles. For oil and gas companies, maritime operators and government agencies in the Gulf, secure and reliable communication is indispensable for remaining competitive. If a company's offshore network fails, the resulting communications downtime severely impacts productivity and business operations, potentially creating a daily revenue loss in the multi-million dollar range. "For the more than 30,000 potential individual users in the Gulf of Mexico, and hundreds of thousands of remote monitoring points through the Gulf, our network will provide the high level of performance, unmatched reliability and proven security that businesses need to stay ahead of their offshore competitors," said PetroCom President and CEO Brad Parro. "We give companies mobile access to all types of urgent information anywhere and anytime. Our customers expect nothing less from us. We're excited to be able to bring this flexible and strategic new solution to their most challenging communications issues." PetroCom is working in concert with Siemens and Ericsson, the industry's leading wireless network equipment manufacturers. Siemens is providing base station equipment and Ericsson supplies the network switching technology. These solid, long-term corporate partners are the conduits through which PetroCom will deliver its breakthrough network. PetroCom will conduct extensive network testing this summer with its partners and select customers. The ability to send and receive e-mails, make phone calls, transfer electronic files and access proprietary information can be taken for granted on land. For offshore workers and businesses, however, such communications activities are a vital link when situated several miles into the Gulf.