[SatNews] ...has shown the ability to accommodate the communication needs for expanding offshore rig operations in the Barents Sea."

RigNet, Inc. (Nasdaq:RNET), a global provider of managed remote communications solutions, telecoms systems integration services and collaborative applications to the oil and gas industry, announced that it has signed a renewal contract to serve a major global offshore drilling contractor, on an ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig operating today in the Barents Sea. The Barents Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, located off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia.

"This installation shows RigNet's commitment to developing innovative remote communications solutions in the Arctic region to support ourenergy customers," said Oyvind Folge, RigNet's Region Vice President, Scandinavia and Europe. "With this latest contract renewal and bandwidth upgrade, RigNet has shown the ability to accommodate the communication needs for expanding offshore rig operations in the Barents Sea." RigNet has successfully upgraded the VSAT bandwidth for the rig to 8Mbps full duplex for operations in the Barents Sea close to 74 degrees north latitude.

RigNet has demonstrated the capability to provide cost efficient, high quality VSAT solutions with high uptime in the Barents Sea for several years. RigNet provides solutions ranging from fully-managed voice and data networks to more advanced applications that include video conferencing and real-time data services to over 1,100 remote sites in over 45 countries on six continents, effectively spanning the drilling and production industry.

A high-performance and secure network is a high priority for the oil and gas community, ensuring effective and reliable communications, both offshore and onshore, and access to business-critical IT applications. Through this contract, RigNet is delivering a fully-managed end-to-end IP network solution using VSAT technology for last-mile connectivity.

RigNet's fully managed network solutions ensure that the rig derives greater value from network services through increased standardization and innovation. The solution includes VoIP, enterprise data and Internet access services supported by 24/7 network monitoring and support from RigNet's Network Operations Center and, if required, local field technician support, with backhaul to the company's offices via MPLS connection.

RigNet (Nasdaq:RNET) is aglobal provider of managed remote communications, telecoms systems integration and collaborative applications dedicated to the oil and gas industry, focusing on offshore and onshore drilling rigs, energy production facilities and energy maritime vessels.

 RigNet is based in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit.