Oil & Gas Program Brings Together Industry Leaders for the Advancement of Smart Energy Networks

SAN DIEGO - Nov. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- The WiMAX Forum®, the global body that certifies and promotes the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based on IEEE Standard 802.16, hosted WiMAX Oil & Gas 2013 – a pre-conference summit at OilComm (http://www.oilcomm.com/) Conference & Expo – held earlier this month in Houston, Texas.

The event, which drew more than 100 attendees from over 35 companies worldwide, focused specifically on supporting the oil and gas community in deploying effective and affordable WiMAX networks to expand their communication initiatives. Attendees were treated to a full-day program with contributing speakers from an elite group of key players in the energy industry. The session fostered thoughtful discussions on a wide range of topics, including planning, designing, and deploying Smart Energy networks, as well as best practices for operational efficiencies.

Among the presenters were Mike Dalton, Regional Sales Director from Siemens Industry, Inc., who provided an overview of a WiMAX case study. Dalton commented, “The WiMAX Forum provides a ‘think tank atmosphere’ where we can share success stories with one another, and discuss real-world opportunities, challenges, and strategies involved in operating efficient WiMAX networks in our market.”

WiMAX has already been implemented by some of the largest companies in the energy industry, and will continue to deepen its foothold over time. Industrial networks benefit from applications such as remote monitoring, in-field workforce tracking and coordination, mobile vehicle connectivity, fleet management and control, off-site/multi-location/off-shore facility linking, and general data and video streaming.

Eugene Crozier, Wireless Specialist of Powertech Labs, and Chair of the WiMAX Forum Smart Energy Working Group, said, “The Oil and Gas industries have unique requirements that are well-served by WiMAX technology. WiMAX is the premiere solution for smart energy applications, our goal is to ensure the continued development of a healthy ecosystem of products for these broadband networks.”

This year’s event speakers included executives from the following companies (http://www.wimaxforum.org/about/member-companies):  Accenture, CelPlan Technologies, Inc., EP Energy, GE Digital Energy, Johnston Technical Services, LocaLoop, Inc., Powertech Labs, Redline Communications and Siemens Industry, Inc.

"The WiMAX Oil & Gas 2013 event was definitely a success," said Judy LeStrange, Sr. Product Manager, GE Digital Energy. "Since last year's inaugural event, the WiMAX Forum has provided the Oil and Gas community with the opportunity to come together, learn and collaborate. With the drive to expand smart networks globally, the program was an excellent chance to celebrate the ongoing WiMAX adoption throughout the energy industry."

“The attendees were able to meet, network, and discuss ideas with the goal of fostering an educational environment,” said Declan Byrne, President of the WiMAX Forum. “The presentations were very well received, and the speakers shared key lessons. They gained concrete knowledge that will help them continue to build advanced technology infrastructure and smart energy solutions.  The entire OilComm organization made us feel very welcome.”

Further information regarding WiMAX Forum events please visit the WiMAX Forum events page at: www.wimaxforum.org/events.

For more information on WiMAX technology or to become a member of the WiMAX Forum, please contact Raul Rigo at raul.rigo@wimaxforum.org; or at +1 (305) 582-7590.

About the WiMAX Forum
The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization that certifies and promotes the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon IEEE Standard 802.16. The WiMAX Forum’s primary goal is to accelerate the adoption, deployment and expansion of WiMAX technologies across the globe while facilitating roaming agreements, sharing best practices within our membership and certifying products. WiMAX Forum Certified® products are interoperable and support broadband fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile services. The WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements. For more information, visit www.wimaxforum.org.