Nokia, Tampnet to expand 5G offshore connectivity across U.S. Gulf

(WO) - Nokia and Tampnet have launched a major initiative to modernize offshore communications infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico, deploying next-generation 5G private wireless networks to support more digital, automated and safety-critical operations across the region’s offshore energy sector.

The partnership will introduce Nokia 5G AirScale radio systems across Tampnet’s network of 120 active offshore base stations, with plans to extend coverage to as many as 350–400 offshore assets, including fixed platforms, drilling rigs, FPSOs, wind installations and vessels.

The upgrade builds on Tampnet’s deployment earlier this year of the world’s first autonomous private 5G edge network on an offshore production platform in the Norwegian Continental Shelf—technology now being expanded to the U.S. Gulf.

“The Gulf is a strategic region for Tampnet,” said Arnt Erling Skavdal, CTO of Mobile Technology at Tampnet. “With Nokia’s 5G technology, we are modernizing our offshore networks to meet evolving automation needs, enhance worker safety and enable applications that were previously out of reach.”

Tampnet operates both public and private networks in the Gulf and manages key subsea fiber systems linking offshore assets to the U.S. mainland. Upgrading these systems with 5G is expected to deliver higher bandwidth, ultra-low latency connectivity and improved reliability for offshore producers.

Nokia said the strengthened private wireless ecosystem will enable operators to advance real-time remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and scalable automation. “Together, we are setting new standards for offshore connectivity,” said Jeff Pittman, Head of North America Enterprise, Mobile Networks at Nokia.

The companies expect the modernization effort to support accelerated digital transformation across U.S. offshore operations, improving efficiency and operational safety for energy producers working in some of the Gulf’s most challenging environments.