The Telecommunications Subcommittee of the American Petroleum Institute supports the oil and natural gas industry’s management and implementation of telecommunications technologies and resources. At no extra cost, all members of API are eligible to become involved in the work of the API Telecommunications Subcommittee.
Among other things, the Telecommunications Subcommittee represents API before the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) on important regulatory developments affecting telecommunications in the oil and gas industry. The Telecommunications Subcommittee meets twice each year and as necessary via conference call. Typically, the Fall Meeting is held in Houston, TX and the Spring Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Telecommunication Technology Impact on the Oil and Gas Industry
Communications are at the core of the oil and gas industry:
- Providing safety of property and personnel,
- Promoting automation and efficiency; and
- Protecting and preserving the environment.
The industry depends on reliable, secure communications to produce and deliver energy. Wired and wireless telecommunications technologies are key to supporting Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, offshore platforms and even onshore operations.
Transporting industry products via pipeline and tankers add to the unique industry communications requirements involving commercial wireless, private wireless marine, mobile, microwave, and other types of systems.
Refineries rely on two-way radios, microwave systems, SCADA, marine radios, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems to support their operations.
API Working With ENTELEC To Promote Telecommunications In The Oil And Natural Gas Industry
The Telecommunications Subcommittee of the American Petroleum Institute (API) is proud to be working with ENTELEC (the Energy Telecommunications and Electrical Association; www.entelec.org) to promote telecommunications in the oil and natural gas industry. ENTELEC is a user association focusing on communications and control technologies used by petroleum, natural gas, pipeline and electric utility companies. ENTELEC provides an educational platform for training its members, including technical presentations, equipment exhibits and networking opportunities during its annual Spring Conference & Expo. Technological advances in SCADA systems, networking, communications, automation, and leak detection are highlighted at each annual event.