Communication and IT services provider Speedcast International Limited has announced it has been awarded a VSAT (very small aperture terminal) license to operate in Iraq through its locally licensed entity, to provide managed network services for an international oilfield services group in the country.
The VSAT license is a strict new requirement as of January 2017 for service providers operating in Iraq, which was previously covered under the yearly telecommunications license required to operate communications networks in-country. Speedcast’s local entity has renewed its general telecommunications license in addition to being awarded the VSAT-specific license.
“Obtaining the VSAT license is a huge win for us, as it was essential for us to continue providing reliable communications to international customers doing business in Iraq,” Keith Johnson, EVP of Energy at Speedcast, was quoted as saying in a press release.
“The customer we are supporting for this systems integration project is new to operating in the country and was looking for an experienced international service provider they could trust. Speedcast’s experience in providing ruggedised communications equipment and highly reliable services made us a great fit for the environment, which includes extreme temperatures and desert conditions,” Johnson said, without naming the client.
The project scope includes four sites at a major oilfield in southern Iraq, utilising Speedcast’s locally licensed entity to deliver communications services and 24×7 support. The sites are equipped with terrestrial, microwave and satellite connectivity, CCTV, video conferencing, WAN optimization and a range of IT equipment.
Fiber and microwave serve as the primary connections with satellite providing backup. Terrestrial and VSAT networks were provided together to ensure business continuity for both operator and service contractors, so both drilling and critical business data could be transmitted 100 percent of the time.
Under the terms of the agreement, Speedcast will also provide end-user VSAT licenses.
Speedcast’s system integration experience spans 30 years and includes engineering and design, procurement, testing, installation and maintenance for complete communications needs – from entertainment systems and security and monitoring services to navigation equipment, video streaming, internet of things (IoT) and more.
