Connectivity advancements in the oil and gas enterprise.

By Natacha Baroni, Head of Energy Product Marketing at T-Mobile for Business

The oil and gas industry is emerging from a period when disconnected enterprises struggled with endless disruption and uncertain business continuity. The siloed operations and data that once characterized oil and gas operations are fading into the past. Why? It’s because companies are moving to a digital-first approach to improve productivity and efficiency both upstream and downstream.

Forward-thinking energy companies are employing a new layer of digital management to plan and implement technology that connects business systems and operations. They’re recognizing the value of connectivity to leverage innovations and make efficiency gains. At the same time, business leaders in these companies are measuring and tracking the connection between digital investment and business outcomes. For everything to work, those benefits must also be clear to operational leaders.

Connected technologies are proving their worth throughout oil and gas operations. Upstream, more real-time decisions and analysis now occur in a central location—rather than on the rig or production site—thanks to IoT platforms and superior connectivity. In drilling and completions, downhole intelligence is replacing production logs. And artificial lift optimization taps technology that makes the most of a well’s natural dynamics.

Downstream, operational downtime related to mechanical failures, corrosion integrity, or safety incidents is the critical metric. Most companies have deployed technology for equipment health or asset performance management, although the level of predictive and prescriptive capabilities varies widely. These technologies are complemented by inspection drones and robots, which help improve speed, efficiency, and safety during inspections.

What’s standing in the way of the more connected and intelligent oil and gas enterprise? The IDC report cites security, cost, technology stability, and capability concerns¹.

To maximize ROI from connectivity investments, oil and gas companies need to select connection technologies that meet application needs and cost and capabilities criteria. For example, fiber is optimal for a harsh, remote environment like offshore drilling. On the other hand, short-range connections, which provide connectivity within a local sphere of interaction, offer the right mix of cost and performance for close-proximity supply chain tracking.

The key is to recognize that connectivity can’t be one-size-fits-all. Making the right choices requires the help of a technology provider with the oil and gas experience and portfolio breadth to deliver on connectivity and digital technology needs and achieve desired outcomes. T-Mobile for Business can provide guidance in leveraging the broader network and clearly communicate the ROI of connectivity and the digital technology it supports for digital innovation in the oil and gas industry.

T-Mobile has America's largest and fastest 5G network, imagined for tomorrow but ready to give you an edge today. At T-Mobile for Business, we’re focused on providing your business with connectivity solutions and dedicated, exceptional service you need to help you stay ahead. To learn more about how T-Mobile is fueling digital transformation for companies in the energy industry, visit our energy industry page.