Viasat and ST Engineering iDirect are expanding their long-standing partnership to boost satellite connectivity for Brazil’s energy sector. Announced on October 15, 2024, this collaboration involves deploying advanced, cloud-ready infrastructure. The goal is to provide reliable, high-speed internet to remote oil, gas, and offshore operations, improving both efficiency and crew welfare. This move positions Viasat to capture new market opportunities with a more flexible and scalable network.
A Strategic Upgrade for Enhanced Connectivity
The core of this expansion is the deployment of ST Engineering iDirect’s next-generation DCR/DBR hub. This new hardware is integrated into the existing Dialog platform, a system Viasat already uses to manage its networks. This upgrade is designed to be future-proof, giving Viasat the power to grow its services without major overhauls down the line.
This infrastructure upgrade offers immense scalability, paving the way for future cloud-integrated services. The new system is not just about more capacity; it’s about being smarter and more adaptable. With a more virtualized, or software-based, approach, Viasat can quickly adjust its network to meet the changing demands of the energy industry.
Key advantages of the new hub include:
- Scalability: The system is built to handle future growth and increasing data demands from energy clients.
- Flexibility: It allows Viasat to quickly launch new services and adapt to market shifts.
- Orchestration: The integration with ST Engineering iDirect’s Intuition ground system helps automate service delivery, making operations smoother.
Industry Leaders on Digital Transformation
Executives from both companies highlighted the strategic importance of this upgrade. They emphasized that this is more than a simple technology refresh; it’s a commitment to solving real-world challenges in some of the world’s most difficult operating environments, such as offshore oil rigs.
Dr. Alexei Vederko, Senior Director of Global Engineering at Viasat Energy Services, stated that the collaboration will speed up digital adoption for customers. “Our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect accelerates digital transformation for energy customers by unlocking better connectivity,” he said. “This will enhance crew welfare and improve efficiency, even in the most remote areas.”
Echoing this, Kris Jarrett, Regional Vice President of Sales at ST Engineering iDirect, focused on the system’s versatility. “This upgrade allows Viasat to address a wide range of critical applications across the energy sector,” Jarrett explained. He noted that from workboat fleets to large production vessels, the technology enables clients to scale up and prepare for future cloud services.
Powering Operations in the Harshest Environments
Viasat is no stranger to providing connectivity in challenging locations. The newly installed DCR/DBR hub enhances the capabilities of the Dialog platform, which already features the powerful Mx-DMA MRC waveform technology. Viasat first introduced this waveform in 2022 to better manage its offshore networks.
The Mx-DMA MRC technology is known for its efficiency and precision. It dynamically adjusts to changing traffic loads and satellite signal conditions, which is critical for moving platforms like ships and floating rigs. This ensures that bandwidth is used effectively, reducing lag and providing a stable connection for critical operations and crew communications.
Designed for operations in demanding areas, the Mx-DMA MRC has already proven instrumental in managing Viasat’s offshore customer networks. The recent hub upgrade will ensure that the energy sector in Brazil benefits even more from these advanced capabilities, leading to more reliable and higher-performing networks.
Paving the Way for Cloud-Based Services
This partnership is fundamentally about preparing for the future. By enabling cloud-based services, Viasat and ST Engineering iDirect are getting ahead of the next wave of digital transformation in the energy industry. The new infrastructure signals a major shift towards more agile and integrated communication systems.
Offering cloud solutions will allow Viasat to cater to customer needs in real time. For example, a company could quickly scale up its bandwidth during a critical drilling operation and then scale it back down, paying only for what it needs. This level of agility gives both Viasat and its customers a significant competitive edge in a fast-moving market.
