Tampnet, WMS extend cellular coverage across US Gulf

Two connectivity providers have joined forces to bring expanded cellular service to one of the world's busiest offshore energy regions.

Tampnet, Stavanger, Norway, and WMS, Miramar, Fla., on Thursday announced a partnership to extend 4G and 5G cellular coverage across the Gulf of Mexico, renamed under the Trump administration as the Gulf of America. The move gives WMS's network of more than 400 mobile operator partners the ability to deliver roaming services over Tampnet's existing offshore infrastructure in areas where land-based coverage does not reach.

"The Gulf of America represents one of the world's most active offshore energy regions, supporting thousands of workers, travellers, and vessels that rely on reliable connectivity, with fair prices," said Elie Hanna, CEO of Tampnet.

Tampnet operates what it describes as the world's largest offshore high-performance communications network, covering more than 600,000 sq. km with LTE and 5G service. The network connects more than 450 offshore assets via a 5,400-km subsea fiber backbone.

WMS has provided connectivity in remote and maritime environments for more than 20 years.

"Our partnership helps Tampnet expand connectivity options for cellular subscribers who are working on, or are near, offshore energy infrastructure," said Pramod Arora, president and CEO of WMS. "We are excited to take another step in making wireless connectivity possible in hard-to-reach places."

For Tampnet, the agreement supports a broader push to enable digital transformation in the offshore sector. The company has identified oil and gas, maritime, energy transition, and logistics as key verticals for its network services — a direction it says aligns with WMS's own strategy to grow global connectivity for both enterprise operations and consumers.