Viasat, Inc., a global provider of satellite communications, has announced its Energy Services division has launched a managed communications service for remote oil and gas customers. The new offering significantly expands the capacity and capabilities of its enterprise-grade connectivity service, according to the company.

The new solution expands Viasat Energy Services’ offerings for the energy sector by incorporating low earth orbit (LEO) satellite capacity alongside Viasat Energy Services’ existing multi-orbit and terrestrial capacity. This is designed to deliver flexible capabilities to address energy customer needs through a single, integrated and fully managed service, Viasat claims. The enhanced service is expected to be available early in the third quarter of 2024.

Viasat says the integrated service offering enhances performance through capacity augmentation to support additional capabilities for Energy Services customers — oil and gas operators, drilling contractors, and service companies — by applications such as enterprise-grade solutions for customers’ cloud-based computing services, applications to drive operational efficiency and safety, and enhanced crew welfare offerings. The service is also designed to incorporate Viasat’s cybersecurity expertise and its operational artificial intelligence software and machine learning platform, Intelie. These capabilities are all delivered alongside Viasat’s existing service commitments.

“Our energy customers are looking to solve complex challenges and operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Our services are designed to make that happen,” said Lee Ahlstrom, president, Viasat Energy Services, in a press release. “This enhanced hybrid network service offering will allow customers to improve operational efficiency and support their most advanced digital transformation efforts in the future.”