Stratos WiMax. Overall, Stratos expects to invest approximately US$6 million. By installing Stratos WiMax-enabled wireless WAN hotspots onboard certain platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, Stratos will have the ability to offer wireless broadband coverage.

Stratos to support WiMax
In conjunction with the implementation of its IP-based core network, Stratos is also undertaking an upgrade of its existing Gulf of Mexico microwave network to an IP-based platform, which will be linked to the core network to support newly developed value-added applications. In addition to offering greater bandwidth options, the upgraded microwave network will also be capable of supporting the WiMax last-mile, broadband wireless technology standard, allowing Stratos to create wireless wide area network (WAN) ?hotspots? in the Gulf of Mexico.

WiMax is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput, point-to-multipoint broadband connections over long distances, up to 15 miles. WiMax can be used for a number of applications, including lastmile broadband connections and high-speed enterprise connectivity for businesses.

By installing Stratos WiMax-enabled wireless WAN hotspots onboard certain platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, Stratos will have the ability to offer wireless broadband coverage, in addition to its current fixed-location microwave service. Once enabled, this new network will have the ability to provide oil and gas operators, contractors and crew members with a truly mobile, on-demand, wireless broadband communications option in the Gulf of Mexico that operates not only onboard fixed-site platforms, but also on vessels in range of the network.

Overall, Stratos WiMax expects to invest approximately US$6 million in the implementation of its IP core network and the IP upgrade of its Gulf of Mexico microwave network.