Tampnet deal gives 100,000 offshore workers ‘roam-like-home’ in the North Sea

Offshore communications network operator Tampnet and Dutch mobile operator ODIDO announces a long-term agreement to share offshore mobile networks in European waters. The deal enables more than 100,000 offshore workers and those on duty at merchant vessels and and travellers to use their phones at regular EU roaming prices – just like at home.

 The new network will appear as ‘ODIDO@SEA’ and provides seamless coverage in EU maritime zones. Because EU roaming rules don’t apply at sea, mobile use offshore has typically been expensive. This partnership changes that – making ‘roam-like-home’ a reality for offshore users.

Tampnet already covers 300,000 km² of the North Sea with 4G and 5G – from the UK to the Norwegian shelf – and connects over 450 offshore installations. With ODIDO, this becomes Europe’s most integrated offshore mobile network.

Tampnet CEO Elie Hanna (pictured, left) said: “This partnership means that offshore workers can finally stay connected without worrying about high roaming costs. For people working weeks at sea, being able to use their phones like at home is more than convenience—it’s quality of life."

Roaming partners will be able to recognise the use of this network extension by the end- users and allows them to amend their Welcome SMS for the use on the EU-waters within the Roam Like Home bundle.

“Connectivity is a basic expectation, whether you’re in the city or out at sea,” said Søren Abildgaard (right), CEO at ODIDO. “By teaming up with Tampnet, we’re making sure our customers and partners can work, connect and share from offshore installations and vessels with the same confidence and simplicity they enjoy on land.”

Beyond roaming, the agreement paves the way for advanced mobile services at sea, including:

-        Deployment of 5G Standalone and network slicing to support mission-critical services

-        Push-to-talk (PTT/MCX) for public safety and enterprise users

-        Collaboration on private 5G networks and edge computing for offshore platforms

As part of the partnership ODIDO will share its offshore sites with Tampnet, handing over operational responsibility while maintaining their mobile services. Customers of KPN and Vodafone Netherlands will also benefit from extended offshore coverage under their existing roaming agreements.