05.01.04
OffshoreSource.com
Volume 6—No. 5
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Space Data Launches First Commercial Balloon-Borne Wireless Data Network Communications
Space Data Corporation, a company providing wireless data and messaging services in rural and remote areas, has announced the launch of its telemetry service in the Permian Basin region of West Texas. Space Data has designed and deployed the first commercial balloonborne wireless data network - the SkySite(R) Network - enabling applications such as SCADA and field communications in even the most remote locations.
Energy industry customers using automation equipment such as remote telemetry units (RTU) and electronic flow meters (EFM) can establish SCADA connections through SkySite Network by installing a low-power wireless modem at any automation location. Space Data's network utilizes ReFLEX(tm) technology, a proven wireless data standard developed by Motorola to provide high reliability data delivery.
"Energy industry managers are looking for cost effective communications that will allow them to automate more of their sites," said Mark Davis, Space Data's Director of Marketing. "We provide the same coverage ubiquity as satellite systems but at a more affordable price. We also offer an ideal solution for those customers who can't or don't want to own and maintain their own radio infrastructure. For those who do, we can provide the backhaul."
The SkySite Network is unique in its ability to provide reliable, affordable data communications to rural and remote areas. Building on decades of success by weather service organizations around the world that have used balloon-borne systems to gather meteorological data, the company has developed a command and control system that enables the management of a large "constellation" of SkySite Platforms. These SkySite Platforms deliver reliable, digital signals over hundreds of miles. At an altitude of 100,000 feet, a single SkySite Platform can provide telemetry services to an area the size of Oklahoma.
"We've successfully completed a nine-month field test with producers in the oil and gas industry," said Davis. "We're confident that the SkySite Network can meet and exceed the needs of our customers, so the time is right to begin offering them a new alternative for remote wireless coverage." Service plans are available directly from Space Data. The wireless modem used to connect to the SkySite network is available from select Space Data resellers. Customers gain access to their data using a fixed IP address and will be able access site-specific information via the Space Data Web site. Space Data offers customer support five days a week and technical support on a 24x7 basis. Visit www.spacedata.net.