Oil and gas production has always depended on flow — of resources, logistics, and capital. But in today’s operations, a new flow defines success: data. The industry’s ability to transmit, analyze, and act on information in real time now underpins efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
To understand how this transformation is unfolding, Ceragon commissioned a global survey of 400 oil and gas professionals across North America, Europe, LATAM, and Oceania. Conducted by Coleman Parkes Research, the study explored how energy leaders are rethinking connectivity to maintain operational excellence amid rising demands for automation, reliability, and ESG accountability.
When we asked: “How critical is connectivity to your daily operations?” the answer was unequivocal:
Nearly three-quarters (72%) said their personnel rely on mission-critical communications to perform their work safely and efficiently.
Connectivity has become as vital to modern energy as the oil flow itself.
When Every Drop of Data Counts
Oil and gas operations stretch across some of the harshest environments on Earth — from offshore platforms buffeted by salt and wind to remote fields hours from the nearest fiber link. The survey revealed that 56% of companies face offshore connectivity challenges, and another 38% struggle with coverage gaps in remote locations.
When we asked where connectivity causes the most disruption, geography was the recurring adversary. Even in regions with advanced infrastructure, dead zones persist — costing time, productivity, and safety.
Every drop of data counts, and when it fails to reach its destination, the entire production chain feels the pressure.
Connectivity is now as fundamental as pressure, heat, or flow.
Downtime: The Hidden Leak
Every operator knows the cost of an unplanned shutdown. Yet, few recognize that network downtime can ripple across systems just as quickly as a mechanical failure. According to Ceragon’s survey, 96% of companies experienced some form of network disruption in the past year — and over a third (36%) said these disruptions occurred frequently.
These interruptions don’t just delay data; they disrupt monitoring, automation, and safety systems. In a sector where every second counts, even brief network lapses can translate to lost revenue and increased risk.
When data stops flowing, production stops.
Security and Cost: The Dual Pressure Points
When we asked respondents which factors create the most hesitation in adopting new connectivity solutions, two concerns surfaced again and again: security and cost. Nearly 63% cited data security and protection as their top concern, while 52% pointed to high upfront investment as a key barrier.
Energy networks are vast, complex, and increasingly digital — which means attack surfaces are expanding even as budgets remain under scrutiny. Balancing performance, resilience, and ROI has become a delicate engineering act.
In the modern energy grid, the biggest risks are invisible — and often encrypted.
Redefining Transformation
The concept of “digital transformation” once implied growth and scale. Today, it means something different: integrity. When asked to identify their top technology priorities for the next two years, oil and gas companies emphasized cybersecurity (65%), cost efficiency (60%), and reliability (59%).
This marks a significant shift from expansion to optimization — from building more to building better. Operators are consolidating control systems, streamlining infrastructure, and focusing on data-driven visibility.
Transformation today isn’t about new systems — it’s about stronger, smarter, more secure ones.
Private Networks, Public Gains
Public networks weren’t designed for the unique demands of offshore rigs or refineries operating 24/7. That’s why private wireless is emerging as the next frontier.
When Ceragon asked energy organizations about their interest in private wireless networks, 32% said they are already exploring or using them, and another 59% expressed strong interest.
Private networks deliver what public infrastructure cannot: dedicated bandwidth, predictable latency, and full control over reliability and security. They ensure that every system — from sensors to SCADA — remains connected even when conditions are harsh — from extreme weather to remote terrain.
Powering Smarter Energy Networks
Ceragon connects the world’s most demanding energy operations — from offshore platforms to onshore operations and pipeline connectivity — through end-to-end wireless solutions built for performance, reliability, and resilience.
Explore Ceragon’s Energy Market Solutions
When the connection matters most, owning the spectrum means owning the outcome.
Regulation and Responsibility
Regulatory frameworks and sustainability commitments are becoming the new valves that control the flow of innovation. The survey found that 54% of respondents follow industry-specific safety standards, 49% adhere to IEC 62443 cybersecurity guidelines, and 67% of North American companies comply with NIST standards.
At the same time, 85% of organizations said ESG and sustainability factors influence their choice of vendors — with 47% identifying them as key decision drivers.
Connectivity is now as much about conscience as capability. Building networks that are secure, efficient, and sustainable has become both a competitive advantage and a moral imperative.
The flow of data must align with the flow of responsibility.
Keeping the Flow Steady
Across continents and operational scales, one truth resonates: the reliability of data flow now defines the reliability of energy flow. From offshore rigs to onshore refineries, and from safety monitoring to predictive maintenance, connectivity has become the industry’s quiet engine — invisible but indispensable.
The findings from Ceragon’s global survey show a sector ready to modernize, resilient under pressure, and aware that the next frontier isn’t deeper drilling — it’s deeper intelligence.
The future of oil & gas will belong to those who can keep data — and energy — in continuous motion.
Take the Next Step — From Insight to Action
Want to explore how digital transformation and next-gen connectivity are redefining the oil & gas landscape? Download our eBook, “Connectivity Fueling Innovation in Oil & Gas,” to discover:
• How digital transformation and IT/OT convergence are reshaping operations
• Where emerging technologies – IoT, AI, digital twins – drive efficiency and sustainability
• Why network modernization is the runway to future profitability
See the Flow in Action
The infographic below highlights how oil & gas leaders are addressing connectivity challenges, investing in digital transformation, and securing the networks that power their operations.
From Data Flow to Oil Flow — See It in Action.
Explore how Ceragon connects onshore and offshore energy operations with robust, high-capacity wireless solutions. Discover Ceragon’s Onshore & Offshore Connectivity Solutions
Enjoyed this blog?
Contact us for more information on how our secure, high-capacity wireless networks can transform your operations.
