High-Speed Remote Internet Connectivity for Forestry, Agriculture, and Oil & Gas Operations
Communication is a crucial aspect of any business, especially for industries that operate in remote locations. From employee safety to lost productivity, industries like forestry, agriculture, and oil and gas face challenges in regions where telecommunications networks are unreliable or non-existent. This blog will look at the challenges faced when operating in remote areas and explore how emerging new satellite technology can help keep companies connected, no matter where they are.
The Role of Connectivity in Workplace Safety
Employees of forestry, agriculture, and oil and gas companies are often “lone workers,” meaning they are isolated from others. The distance and workplace hazards can make these jobs incredibly dangerous. Without a form of reliable communication, workers’ lives are at risk.
A 2020 study by Farm Credit Canada found that 7 in 10 farm employees have been injured or nearly injured on the job. Fatigue from long hours on a farm can put workers at a heightened risk of injury, primarily when operating heavy machinery. Farmers can also risk injury while working alone in a silo or when handling hazardous chemicals. When working alone in a vast field, farmers need a way to get help.
In 2018 Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine ranked forestry as the most dangerous job in Canada. With the industry now facing a significant skills shortage, forestry companies must ensure safety to attract and retain talent. Often working in isolation, forestry workers face threats from falling trees, injuries from chainsaws, and electric hazards. With no way to call for help, these situations can be deadly.
A November 2022 explosion that resulted in two deaths highlighted that contract workers in the oil and gas industry are at higher risk of injury than permanent employees. Contract workers may be less familiar with safety protocols on specific sites and have less safety training. In addition, some companies may have less oversight over contract workers, leading to lower safety standards than permanent employees. In an industry that relies heavily on contract workers, these employees must be able to communicate in an emergency.
Maximizing Productivity and Innovation with High-Speed Internet
Forestry, agriculture, and oil and gas are becoming increasingly digitized industries. But without a reliable internet connection, enterprises that operate in remote areas can’t take advantage of the latest technological innovations. We’ve recently published a blog on how agriculture technology is transforming farming, and innovations in forestry and oil and gas are also rapidly evolving.
High-speed internet can boost productivity in forestry companies by enabling faster communication between workers and supervisors and real-time data exchange from onboard telemetry systems. Connectivity can also reduce delays caused by mechanical problems by allowing remote troubleshooting of technical issues. Finally, supply chain coordination can be improved by providing accurate counts of harvest volume. Advances in drone technology are also having a massive impact on sustainability operations. For example, the Canadian start-up Flash Forest uses drone technology to determine which areas need to be seeded following a forest fire. However, reforestation is time-sensitive, and high-speed internet is required to transmit the large volume of data that drone technology generates.
The use of IoT is rapidly growing and is expected to play a critical role in the future of the oil and gas industry. New IoT applications can reduce costs and improve efficiency in the field. IoT sensors and devices are used to monitor various aspects of operations, including pipelines, oil rig equipment, and tanks. IoT enables real-time detection and response to potential issues, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime. IoT technology is also used for predictive maintenance, allowing for early warning signs of potential problems and proactive maintenance and repairs. In addition, IoT helps track shipments and manage inventory levels in the supply chain, providing valuable insights for optimization and cost reduction. As with drone technology, IoT requires a high-speed internet connection to be effective.
Kymeta™ Hawk 8 Takes Flight with Unmatched Internet Connectivity
Powered by low-earth-orbit satellites from OneWeb, the Kymeta™ Hawk 8 is an innovative satellite communication terminal that offers reliable, high-speed internet connectivity for agriculture, forestry and oil and gas companies that operate in remote areas. The terminal uses a cutting-edge technology called “metamaterials” that eliminates the need for a traditional satellite dish, making it compact and easy to install on vehicles for on-the-move communications.
With lightening fast speeds Hawk 8 delivers the fast and reliable connectivity needed to support real-time applications such as video conferencing, data transfers, and real-time mapping and navigation. Businesses operating in remote areas can stay connected and communicate with their offices and employees, even when they are on the move.
The Kymeta™ Hawk 8 is also designed to be highly durable and reliable. It has been tested in extreme weather conditions and is built to withstand harsh environments, making it ideal for industries that operate in remote and challenging locations.
The Kymeta™ Hawk 8 is a game-changer for industries operating in remote locations, providing them with the connectivity and security they need to stay productive and efficient, even when they are on the move. It is a compact, high-speed, and secure satellite terminal that allows businesses in forestry, agriculture, and oil and gas industries to communicate effectively, no matter where they are.
Partnering with OneWeb and Kymeta, ROCK Networks is here to help organizations in remote areas adopt cutting-edge Hawk 8 technology.
Get connected today.
