Mexican oil (Pemex) managed in April of this year to acquire one of the two radio bands requested in October 2021 to develop internal communication projects and to improve its exploration processes for hydrocarbon deposits in the Sonda de Campeche.
The state oil company obtained 91 Megahertz of frequencies in the range of 1427 to 1518 Megahertz, a spectrum of the so-called L Band, to build cellular networks with 4G-LTE technology and also suitable for developing 5G applications that can be used in the energy sector.
Pemex had also requested up to 600 Megahertz of frequencies in the 9 Gigahertz band, between the ranges of 8900 to 9500 MHz, but that other request was denied by the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), because these frequencies are already designated for aeronautical and maritime radiolocation and radionavigation services.
The company foresaw that exploiting these two types of spectrum would help it strengthen its communication, voice and data networks in its oil exploration and extraction areas in that region of the Gulf of Mexico.
Pemex will be able to use its spectrum concession in Band L or 1.5 GHz at a distance of 24 kilometers from the coast of Campeche, where its facilities are closest to the continental territory and therefore no interference with other networks is expected. public or commercial cell phones that use the same bands.
The Federal Institute of Telecommunications is close to auctioning spectrum in the 1.5 GHz or Band L at the national level for mass consumption services, but in its analysis it ruled out that the portion now delivered by Pemex could generate interference.
“Pemex requires the concession of spectrum for the operation of an LTE broadband radio communication system, in order to strengthen its voice, data and video communication network and thereby cover the communication requirements between its personnel. This will be located on the marine platforms from where coverage will be provided in the Sonda de Campeche, and to implement a radar system for the detection, identification and control of the navigation of ships and information services”, said the IFT.
“This telecommunications project aims to guarantee communications related to Pemex’s strategic operations, such as monitoring and control of wells, extraction of crude oil on offshore platforms, operation of refineries, operation of petrochemical complexes, among others,” he added.
Pemex will be able to exploit its new radioelectric bands for a period of 15 years.
In December 2021, Pemex also obtained spectrum in the 4.5 GHz and for 15 years to use it nationwide in its infrastructures dedicated to drilling, extraction, refining, transportation and storage of crude oil throughout the country.