RigNet Signs Distribution Agreement with Stratos for Mobile Satellite Services

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RigNet, Inc., a leading global provider of managed communications solutions for the upstream oil and gas industry, today announced it has signed an agreement with Stratos Global to become an authorized distributor of Inmarsat and Iridium mobile satellite services (MSS) provided by Stratos.

“RigNet’s new status as a Stratos Channel Partner will enhance our ability to provide customers with global connectivity and support, even in the most rugged and remote environments around the world”

The agreement establishes RigNet as a Stratos Channel Partner, further enabling it to deliver superior remote-communication solutions to its customers in the drilling, production and energy maritime markets. Leading MSS solutions, including Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband and BGAN, and Iridium’s 9555 handheld phones and OpenPort global IP data service, will provide RigNet customers with more options for mobile satellite connections and integrated backup communications.

“RigNet’s new status as a Stratos Channel Partner will enhance our ability to provide customers with global connectivity and support, even in the most rugged and remote environments around the world,” said RigNet CEO Mark Slaughter. “Inmarsat and Iridium services will further enable RigNet to deliver the most optimal solutions for our customers’ remote communications needs.”

Using compact antennae, FleetBroadband from Stratos provides cost-effective, high-speed data and voice communications – available simultaneously – at speeds up to 432kpbs. The service also provides on-demand guaranteed IP data rates, regardless of the vessel’s location.

BGAN from Stratos uses portable, lightweight terminals to provide simultaneous, high-speed data (up to 492 kbps) and voice connectivity. It further enables RigNet’s customers to connect to e-mail, Internet and corporate data networks from remote locations worldwide.

Iridium 9555 handheld satellite phones, weighing less than one pound, deliver voice, global paging, and SMS and data services. Iridium OpenPort from Stratos is the world’s first and only truly global IP satellite data network. With always-on Ethernet and three voice lines that can be used simultaneously, the service delivers reliable, cost-effective communications for shipping, fishing, workboat, research and crew-calling markets around the globe.

RigNet’s customers deploying Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband and BGAN services from Stratos, as well as Iridium OpenPort from Stratos, can make full use of the wide range of value-added services known as The Stratos Advantage to ensure optimal communications performance, management control and cost efficiency. The Stratos Advantage services, including Stratos Dashboard, provide users with cost and traffic control, high-usage metering, firewall management, data optimization, real-time traffic overviews, instant remote provisioning, high security options, easy VPN access, messaging services and a full IP range.

Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm said, “With its broad global reach and strong reputation for customer service, RigNet is ideally qualified to become the newest Stratos Channel Partner. We look forward to supporting RigNet and its customers with optimal service availability and all the benefits of The Stratos Advantage portfolio.”

About Stratos

Stratos is the world's trusted leader for vital communications. Stratos offers the most powerful and extensive portfolio of remote communications solutions including mobile and fixed satellite and microwave services. More than 20,000 customers use Stratos products and industry-leading value-added services to optimize communications performance. Stratos serves U.S. and international government, military, first responder, NGO, oil and gas, industrial, maritime, aeronautical, enterprise, and media users on seven continents and across the world's oceans. Stratos is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inmarsat plc. For more information, please visit www.stratosglobal.com.

About RigNet

RigNet is a leading global provider of managed communications, networks and collaborative applications dedicated to the oil and gas industry. The Company provides solutions ranging from fully-managed voice and data networks to more advanced applications that include video conferencing, real-time data services and advanced medical services to remote sites in over 30 countries on six continents, effectively spanning the drilling and production industry. RigNet recently was named one of America’s fastest-growing private companies as ranked by both Inc. magazine’s distinguished Inc. 500/5000 and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™. Based in Houston, Texas, RigNet has offices in Brazil, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, the United Kingdom and throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.rig.net.