Stratos and Zedi Deploy World's First BGAN-Based SCADA Network

- Network provides major oilfield-services firm with high-performance connectivity worldwide -

BETHESDA, MD, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ - Stratos Global, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today announced it has joined forces with its new Channel Partner Zedi Inc. to deploy the world's first large-scale SCADA network based on Inmarsat's BGAN mobile broadband satellite service.

Stratos and Zedi recently began deployment of an IP-based SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) network for a major oilfield-services company. The total network will enable several hundred remote unmanned sites to be monitored and controlled from the customer's global operations center. Those sites currently utilize technologies such as electrical submersible pumps, as well as downhole pressure and temperature gauges in the production of oil and gas. The deployment will be expanded to include progressive cavity pumps and other upstream facilities. This network will replace the end-user's older-generation Inmarsat GAN mobile packet data service.

BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) uses highly portable, lightweight terminals to provide simultaneous, high-speed IP data (up to 492 kbps) and voice connectivity anywhere in the world. BGAN is ideally suited to enable communications in areas where terrestrial or cellular networks are damaged, congested, or non-existent.

This customer network uses Addvalue's SABRE Ranger, a ruggedized compact BGAN terminal that was developed by Addvalue in partnership with Stratos and the end customer. The Ranger is specifically designed for permanent fixed-site deployment and 24x7 network connectivity in the harsh environments associated with remote SCADA deployments. The terminal delivers high-speed IP data (up to 492 kbps) and voice connectivity anywhere in the world. Stratos is the exclusive Inmarsat Distribution Partner for the SABRE Ranger. Addvalue Technologies Ltd. (www.addvaluetech.com) is a leading designer and global supplier of BGAN terminals.

For this customer deployment, Zedi connects BGAN terminals to the Zedi Intelligent Network to achieve a SCADA solution. The highly reliable and accurate data is then delivered to the desktop through Zedi Access, a secure web portal. By using Zedi Access, the customer is able to make better-informed decisions and effectively manage more wells. Zedi professionals are seamlessly integrated with Stratos Customer Support for all network management.

This BGAN SCADA network relies on Stratos Dashboard to enable optimal network productivity and affordability by providing real-time traffic reports, cost control and online provisioning for new terminals. Stratos Dashboard is the foundation of The Stratos Advantage portfolio of value-added services.

"This groundbreaking global deployment is the result of a strategic partnership between Stratos, Zedi, Addvalue and the end-user that included nearly two years of rigorous testing," said Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm. "Before this deployment, BGAN-based SCADA networks of this scale did not exist. This high-profile network firmly establishes Stratos as the leading provider of BGAN SCADA services."

Parm added, "Stratos has a long history of successfully deploying mobile satellite services (MSS) and microwave solutions to the worldwide energy industry. Our Houston-based Broadband Services Group and global MSS delivery teams have managed critical systems for many of the world's leading oilfield-service companies. Our new BGAN SCADA service extends and reinforces our commitment to offer innovative SCADA solutions to support the upstream oil & gas, utility, mining, water-management and tower-monitoring markets."

Zedi President and CEO Matthew Heffernan said, "The integration of our field-proven Zedi Access platform into this custom BGAN solution ensures this prestigious end-user will benefit from high-performance SCADA connectivity in the most remote areas and harshest weather conditions. We look forward to working closely with Stratos to deliver this pioneering service to many of the world's other premier oilfield-services companies."

About BGAN SCADA from Stratos

The BGAN SCADA service supports applications for data collection and monitoring of remote assets - including utility substations and oil or gas pipelines. Stratos is the exclusive Inmarsat Distribution Partner for the Addvalue SABRE Ranger ruggedized BGAN terminal, purpose built for SCADA applications. The BGAN SCADA service uses the reliable Inmarsat I4 satellites operating in the L-band frequency, which are proven to withstand rain fade and other environmental factors.

A BGAN-based SCADA network also may serve as the perfect complement to DataSat II from Stratos, the Company's Ku-band, VSAT-based SCADA service. The BGAN SCADA service can serve as a network-independent backup solution to DataSat II, ensuring seamless connectivity in case of extreme weather. More than 10,000 Stratos VSAT-based SCADA terminals have been deployed for a wide range of markets across the United States.

About BGAN from Stratos

Since its introduction in late 2005, BGAN from Stratos has been widely adopted by media organizations, military agencies, first responders and professionals in many other industries worldwide. Stratos is one of the world's largest BGAN distributors, with more than 12,500 BGAN activations in 185 countries. Those customers fully utilize The Stratos Advantage, a suite of value-added services that help make BGAN usage more productive and affordable.

With the benefit of The Stratos Advantage, BGAN from Stratos is elevated far above baseline BGAN services. These value-added services, including Stratos Dashboard for BGAN, provide users with cost control, firewall management, full traffic information, pre-paid facilities, high security options, easy VPN access, messaging services and a full range of IP options. Also, StratosNexus offers a secure and managed last-mile solution for SCADA traffic through global Stratos Points of Presence (POPs). More information on BGAN from Stratos is available at www.thepowerofbgan.com.

About Zedi

Zedi Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ZED) specializes in the end-to-end management of oil and gas production operations. Zedi arms producers from the field to head office with accurate, timely and centralized data to help them make better business decisions. Using technology to gather highly accurate data from well sites, Zedi automatically moves it through critical work processes including web-based field data capture and production accounting systems. Zedi technology is continually evolving in the control and optimization of wells to ensure maximum production and cost reduction. Established in 1987, Zedi has enhanced the operational performance of more than 800 upstream, midstream and oilfield-service customers. For more information, visit www.zedi.ca.

About Stratos

Stratos is the world's trusted leader for vital communications. Stratos offers the most powerful and extensive portfolio of remote communications solutions including mobile and fixed satellite and microwave services. More than 20,000 customers use Stratos products and industry-leading value-added services to optimize communications performance. Stratos serves U.S. and international government, military, first responder, NGO, oil and gas, industrial, maritime, aeronautical, enterprise, and media users on seven continents and across the world's oceans. Stratos is a wholly owned subsidiary of Inmarsat plc. For more information, visit www.stratosglobal.com.

SOURCE Stratos Global Corporation