Vertical: Oil & Gas
Application: Remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, worker safety, automation, digital transformation, video analytics, autonomous inspections
Ecosystem: Nokia, Tampnet
Private Network: 5G
Nokia and Tampnet are launching a major expansion of private wireless infrastructure across offshore assets in the Gulf of Mexico. The partnership will deploy Nokia 5G AirScale radio equipment across Tampnet’s existing footprint of 120 active base stations and extend coverage to between 350 and 400 platforms, drilling rigs, floating production storage and offloading units, wind farms, and vessels operating in the region.
The deployment represents a significant scaling of technology first proven earlier in 2025, when the two companies installed what they describe as the world’s first fully autonomous private 5G edge network on an offshore production platform on the Norwegian continental shelf. That Norwegian deployment established the viability of next-generation cellular networks in harsh maritime environments, and the Gulf of Mexico expansion extends that capability to one of the world’s most active offshore energy regions.
Tampnet operates both public and private networks in the Gulf and manages critical subsea fiber infrastructure that connects offshore facilities to shore. The company positions itself as the operator of the world’s largest offshore network, providing the digital backbone for energy production operations that demand high reliability and low latency. The upgrade to 5G infrastructure is designed to support the increasing connectivity and automation requirements of offshore operators while improving operational safety for workers in challenging conditions.
“With Nokia’s 5G technology, we are taking a significant step towards modernizing our offshore networks in the Gulf,” said Arnt Erling Skavdal, CTO of Mobile Technology at Tampnet. “This investment will enable us to meet the evolving connectivity and automation needs of offshore industries, enhance worker safety and unlock new digital applications that were not possible before.”
The private 5G networks will enable offshore operators to implement capabilities that include real-time monitoring of equipment and operations, predictive maintenance programs that can identify potential failures before they occur, and scalable automation systems. Workers offshore will benefit from enhanced wireless communications, while operators gain the ability to deploy advanced video analytics, autonomous inspection systems, and improved situational awareness tools that reduce the need for personnel to work in hazardous areas.
Nokia positions its 5G AirScale technology as purpose-built for demanding industrial environments where traditional connectivity solutions fall short. The equipment must withstand saltwater exposure, extreme weather conditions, and the vibration and movement inherent to offshore platforms and vessels. Private wireless networks offer operators dedicated spectrum and infrastructure that isn’t subject to the congestion and availability challenges that can affect public cellular networks.
“Our collaboration with Tampnet demonstrates how Nokia’s private wireless solutions are enabling digital transformation in some of the world’s most challenging environments,” said Jeff Pittman, Head of North America Enterprise, Mobile Networks at Nokia. “Together, we are setting new standards for offshore connectivity that will deliver long-term value to energy producers and their workforce.”
The Gulf of Mexico remains a strategic focus area for both companies. The region hosts hundreds of active production platforms and drilling operations, with operators continuously seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance worker safety. Private 5G infrastructure provides a foundation for more data-intensive operations while supporting the kind of remote monitoring and control capabilities that reduce the need for personnel to be physically present for routine tasks.
The partnership builds on Tampnet’s existing infrastructure investment in the region while adding the advanced capabilities that 5G networks provide. The expansion demonstrates how private cellular networks are moving beyond pilot projects and into production deployments across heavy industrial sectors, particularly in locations where traditional connectivity options prove insufficient for modern operational requirements.
