Nokia and offshore communications provider Tampnet announced a new partnership to expand 5G private wireless coverage across the Gulf of Mexico, a region that relies heavily on digital links to support oil, gas and renewable energy operations.
The initiative will upgrade Tampnet’s network of roughly 120 active offshore base stations with Nokia’s 5G AirScale equipment and extend coverage to as many as 400 offshore platforms, rigs, FPSO units, wind installations and vessels. Tampnet also operates critical subsea fiber linking offshore infrastructure to the mainland, making the project a major modernization effort for one of the busiest offshore energy regions in the world.
The collaboration follows Tampnet and Nokia’s deployment earlier this year of what both companies describe as the world’s first fully autonomous 5G private wireless edge network on a production platform in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The new Gulf expansion brings that model to U.S. offshore operations.
Nokia said the upgrade will enable real-time remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, safer operations and more advanced automation for energy producers. Tampnet officials described the Gulf as a strategic priority, noting that expanded 5G service will support both private industrial networks and public offshore connectivity.
The companies emphasized worker safety as a major benefit, citing more resilient links for hazardous-environment monitoring, emergency communications and operational oversight.
Deployment of the new 5G systems in the Gulf is expected to begin immediately, with phased activation across Tampnet’s offshore footprint.
Texas Reporter 