A recent whitepaper from Ericsson highlights
As oil and gas operators expand the use of automation, remote operations and connected industrial systems, health and safety performance is becoming increasingly dependent on the reliability of site communications infrastructure
A recent whitepaper from Ericsson argues that private 5G networks are emerging not simply as digital enablers, but as critical safety infrastructure for modern multisite oil and gas operations.
The paper highlights how conventional communications technologies – including Wi-Fi and fragmented legacy wireless systems – are often unable to provide the coverage, reliability and low-latency performance required for safety-critical industrial environments. In offshore facilities, refineries and remote processing sites, intermittent connectivity can directly affect emergency response capability, worker visibility and operational risk management.
SECURE AND RELIABLE
According to Ericsson, private 5G networks provide a dedicated industrial communications layer capable of supporting both operational technology (OT) and enterprise IT systems securely and reliably across geographically dispersed assets. The technology’s low latency, high bandwidth and ability to connect large numbers of devices simultaneously make it particularly suited to hazardous industrial environments where continuous situational awareness is essential.
One of the whitepaper’s key themes is the role of connected worker technologies in improving frontline safety. Private 5G networks enable real-time communication between personnel, control rooms and field systems, allowing operators to monitor worker locations, environmental conditions and operational status continuously. Wearable devices, connected gas detectors and mobile inspection systems can all transmit data instantly across the network, improving visibility during routine operations and emergency situations.
AUTONOMOUS INSPECTION
The paper also highlights how private 5G is supporting the wider adoption of autonomous inspections using drones, robotics and remotely operated vehicles. By reducing the need for personnel to enter hazardous or confined environments, operators can significantly reduce exposure to high-risk activities such as working at height, confined space entry and manual inspection in corrosive or explosive atmospheres.
Ericsson reports that some operators have achieved inspection processes up to 90% faster while reducing downtime by 65% through the use of connected autonomous systems. Faster inspections not only improve operational efficiency but also reduce the duration of personnel exposure in hazardous areas.
Predictive maintenance is identified as another major safety benefit. Continuous monitoring of equipment condition through industrial IoT sensors allows operators to identify anomalies before failures occur. In high-risk oil and gas environments, early detection of mechanical degradation, corrosion or process instability can help prevent leaks, fires or catastrophic equipment failures.
RESILIENT COMMUNICATION
The whitepaper also points to the importance of resilient communications during emergency response scenarios. Unlike public cellular systems, private 5G networks can prioritise mission-critical traffic and maintain secure communications even in remote locations with limited infrastructure. This capability is increasingly important as operators centralise operations and rely more heavily on remote monitoring and digital control systems.
Cybersecurity is another significant consideration. As industrial systems become more interconnected, the risk of cyber threats affecting operational safety increases. Ericsson argues that private 5G provides greater control over network access, traffic management and data security compared with many conventional wireless technologies, helping operators strengthen cyber resilience while supporting operational continuity.
As oil and gas facilities become more automated and data-intensive, the quality and reliability of industrial communications infrastructure increasingly influences workforce safety, emergency preparedness and operational resilience. Ericsson predicts private 5G networks will continue to become embedded as core components of modern offshore operations.
