News

BlackHawk Datacom Names Robert Ellis Brown Chief Operating Officer

April 20th, 2021

BlackHawk Datacom is pleased to announce that Robert Ellis Brown has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Robert has more than 14 years of professional experience in the Energy and Defense industries, serving as Field Engineer, Telecom Engineer and Network Engineering Manager. His most recent role has been Director of Managed Services.

During his time with Blackhawk, Robert has been instrumental in developing, educating, and streamlining the Managed Services Division to meet the ever-increasing demands of a global marketplace. His passion for customer service, along with his team building abilities, have greatly impacted the success of his Division and the entire company.

Robert comes to us as a United States Air Force veteran, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Robert went on to obtain his Bachelors Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Masters in Business Administration at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette.

"Robert has been instrumental in the development of the technical and service support components of the business. His broad technical knowledge, servant leadership mentality and strong business acumen made him a natural choice to lead the operations of the company as we continue to grow and diversify." stated John Poindexter, CEO and founder of BlackHawk.

Please join us in congratulating Robert Brown on this well-deserved promotion!

BlackHawk DATACOM Wins Federal Government Engineering Contract

BlackHawk DATACOM has been providing large-scale engineering services for electronic warfare system design and fabrication since 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAFAYETTE, LA July 26, 2018 - BlackHawk DATACOM has secured a federal government subcontractor agreement valued at $4.3 million over 3 years

As part of the overall contract, BlackHawk DATACOM is responsible for providing hardware, firmware, and software design services as well as manufacturing, testing, and commissioning services including:

Complex analog/digital circuit design
System level RF design
System level equipment rack design
Software and firmware engineering
Mechanical CAD design, fabrication and light machining
Component, sub-assembly, and system design verification testing
Assembly and testing of complex circuit boards, sub-systems and systems

“This contract is a testament to the quality and technical expertise of our Engineering Services team and their ability to provide innovative solutions for extremely complex system design requirements. We are very excited about the award of this contract and the opportunities that it will provide for our shareholders and our employees,” stated John Poindexter, Chairman and CEO for BlackHawk.

BlackHawk DATACOM Superiority

35+ years designing and deploying critical infrastructure technologies
Financial backing of Mainstreet Capital (NYSE: MAIN)
24x7 hardened Incident Command Center
Multiple Regional Operations Centers
World-class behavior-based safety program
- Zero lost time accidents in 5 years
- Zero recordable incidents in 3 years
- EMR of 0.86

Contact

John Poindexter
Phone: +1 (877) 559-1959
Email: johnp@blackhawkdc.com
Website: www.blackhawkdc.com

Energy Provider Taps BlackHawk DATACOM to Secure 754 Wind Turbines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAFAYETTE, LA June 13, 2018 - BlackHawk DATACOM is excited to announce a large multi-site contract award to secure 754 wind turbines for a major energy provider at eight wind power generation facilities encompassing tens of thousands of acres of land in Texas, Nebraska, California, Illinois, and Kansas, as well as the wind division’s main office.

Critical Infrastructure Security Requirements

Physical security standards development for power generation facilities is the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Committee’s directive, carried out under the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) CIP guidelines to protect the electrical subsector of the United States. When the energy provider knew they needed to meet the NERC CIP guidelines, it was time to partner with BlackHawk DATACOM for the proper access control lock solution.

High-Reliability Locking Solution

BlackHawk DATACOM has embarked on the project to install the Medeco XT cyber lock system at each facility. Medeco XT is an electronic locking and intelligent key system that provides access control when paired with the Medeco XT software suite, a robust set of programs with backend programming, scheduled access, audit reports, and data dashboard.

Installation and Support

BlackHawk DATACOM was awarded the physical security project, to install over 2,000 cyber locks, in May 2018. BlackHawk DATACOM designs installs and maintains innovative technology solutions that help customers “Connect, Protect and Optimize” their critical infrastructure assets. The communications, physical security, and process automation products are specifically designed for operations in remote, harsh environments.

Operators in the oil and gas, maritime, and utility industries that provide critical services to millions of customers—who can’t afford the loss of service or downtime—rely on BlackHawk DATACOM for a host of installed solutions and managed services. With Regional Operations Centers located in Port Fourchon, LA, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX, Midland, TX and our 24x7 hardened Incident Command Center located in Lafayette, LA, BlackHawk DATACOM is strategically positioned to support critical operations.

Contact

Tracy Poindexter

Phone: +1 (877) 559-1959

Email: sales@blackhawkdc.com

Website: www.blackhawkdc.com

BlackHawk Datacom announces Tampnet Partnership for 4G/LTE Services in the Gulf of Mexico

Lafayette, Louisiana April 28, 2017

BlackHawk Datacom, a highly-specialized provider of telecommunications, security and process automation solutions to the Oil & Gas, Maritime and Utility industries announced today its partnership agreement with Tampnet. This partnership will enable BlackHawk to leverage the advantages of offshore 4G LTE connectivity for next generation solutions for their customers.

Tampnet, Inc. is in the process of building a cutting edge, full scale carrier grade 4G/LTE system in the Gulf of Mexico. The LTE network is being built on a high-speed, low latency backhaul infrastructure consisting of 1200km of subsea fiber and approximately 60 high-speed, offshore grade microwave links. The network is built on the same model as in the North Sea, where Tampnet has a proven record of offering reliable offshore network services for 16 years and LTE services for the last 4 years.

In March, Tampnet announced that it has reached 25% of its planned coverage for the Gulf of Mexico region. Today, this figure has passed 30%. On completion, estimated around mid-2018, Tampnet will have 60+ base stations operational, covering nearly 96,526 square miles and 98% of all manned offshore assets in the GoM with 4G LTE service. This includes the deep-water region, as well as, significant overlapping coverage for increased redundancy.

*Areas outlined in blue showing existing coverage vs coverage when completed.

“We have already seen the significant advantages of 4G LTE connectivity in our land based solutions for the O&G industry”, says John Poindexter, CEO of BlackHawk Datacom. “What Tampnet is building in the Gulf of Mexico is truly a game changer, and something we want to make sure our customers will benefit from. Tampnet’s experience with LTE in the North Sea for most of the large, international oil and gas players is reassuring and makes us confident their Gulf of Mexico initiative will be a success. “

BlackHawk’s commitment to helping their customers “Connect, Protect and Optimize” their critical infrastructure assets is largely dependent upon high speed, low latency digital communications. Lowering lift costs, increasing safety and security and ensuring crew morale become achievable goals when highly reliable digital connectivity is coupled with the latest technologies such as downhole and sub-surface HD video, machine learning, IIoT and other Big Data applications. Tampnet’s LTE network is an enabler for these technologies and many more.

“We are excited about the fact that Blackhawk Datacom, a seasoned provider in this region, has become a Tampnet 4G LTE partner,” said Per Helge Svensson, CEO, Tampnet. “Customers and other providers in this region know that Blackhawk Datacom is a reputable provider of standardized telecommunication services. Furthermore, it is also a known fact that the company is where the industry goes to for the difficult and non-standard solutions. Working with such an innovative partner will be interesting, particularly as we believe they will be a driver in discovering and developing uses of the 4G LTE connectivity that we have not yet thought of.”

About BlackHawk Datacom

BlackHawk Datacom provides innovative technology solutions that help our customers “Connect, Protect and Optimize” their critical infrastructure assets. Our Communications, Physical Security and Process Automation products are specifically designed for operations in remote, harsh environments. We focus on operators in the Oil and Gas, Maritime and Utility industries that provide critical services to millions of customers who can’t afford loss of service or down time. We support these operations with highly trained personnel from Regional Operations Centers located in Port Fourchon, LA, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX, Midland, TX and our 24x7 hardened Incident Command Center located in Lafayette, LA

Contact Information:

John Poindexter, CEO

100 Enterprise Blvd

Lafayette, LA 70506

Toll Free: 877-559-1959

Email: sales@blackhawkdc.com

www.blackhawkdc.com

About Tampnet

Tampnet operates the largest offshore high capacity communication network in the world and serves more than 240 O&G platforms, Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs) and exploration rigs in the GoM, as well as on the Danish, Norwegian and the UK continental shelves of the North Sea. In total, Tampnet owns and operates a redundant offshore infrastructure network based on 2,500km of subsea fiber optic cable in the North Sea, complemented with a large number of high-capacity, carrier grade radio links and a high number of 4G base stations. Tampnet is now in the process of building a similar core infrastructure and 4G LTE infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico.

Contact Information:

Trygve Hagevik, Chief Sales Officer

24275 Katy Freeway, Suite 240

Katy, TX 77494

Mobile: 713-444-4463

Email: th@tampnet.com

www.tampnet.com

BlackHawk Datacom launches DataMAX High Speed Wireless Network Solutions

Monday, March 20, 2017

BlackHawk Datacom the leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the oil and gas industry, announces the launch of DataMAX High Speed Wireless Network Solutions for the US onshore shale plays. This launch is the result of 35+ years designing, building and operating carrier-class infrastructure both onshore, offshore and around the globe.

John Poindexter, CEO of BlackHawk, said, “The prolonged downturn in the oil and gas industry has changed the paradigm of most operators and oilfield service companies. While network reliability and high speed connectivity are still very important, cost has become a significant factor. While true carrier-class LTE has proven to be reliable, it’s limited availability in many locations coupled with the high cost of overage fees has created the need for a better solution.”

DataMAX is a multi-carrier platform that leverages the reliability of carrier-class LTE with the cost effectiveness of WiMAX and the “available everywhere” nature of satellite. BlackHawk’s proprietary analysis and routing technology capitalizes on the positive attributes of each of these transport technologies, while virtually eliminating the negatives. “After analyzing traffic patterns on thousands of remote sites, we determined that there was an opportunity to significantly lower costs and improve quality by performing least cost routing based on the type or class of traffic. On many high traffic locations, crew morale or entertainment content can be as much as 75% of the overall network consumption. Social media, streaming movies and online music are just some of the applications that place a heavy load on networks and drive up costs” Poindexter said. “DataMAX continuously analyzes traffic from the site, prioritizes it based on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and routes it over the most appropriate and cost-effective carrier. The net effect is increased reliability through route redundancy, improved business application performance through reduced network congestion and cost savings of up to 50% over traditional LTE only services.”

In addition, DataMAX technology can be of significant benefit to oil and gas companies who own and operate their own networks. Real-time analysis of network traffic using DataMAX gives operators the ability to route non-critical traffic to lower cost carriers providing increased reliability and an improved user experience on the business network.

With route redundancy to improve network reliability, least cost routing to lower costs and availability anywhere oil and gas companies are operating, DataMAX is changing the way business is done in a very dynamic and increasingly competitive oil and gas industry.

For more information visit www.blackhawkdc.com

About BlackHawk Datacom

News Archives

Tracy Poindexter Interviewed for Energy Crime Stoppers

03-Nov-2015

Energy Crime Stoppers Hotline Helps Protect Energy Sector

Crime doesn’t pay. Everybody knows that. Reporting crime, however, does.

The Energy Security Council (ESC) is a professional, nonprofit organization comprised of oil and gas operators, energy service companies and law enforcement. ESC’s Energy Crime Stoppers was introduced in 2008 as a Texas initiative, working in tandem with the Texas Crime Stoppers program.

“ESC’s Energy Crime Stoppers hotline is a proactive way to attack and reduce theft and fraud in the energy sector,” said Tracy Poindexter, Energy Crime Stoppers chairman.

On average, Energy Crime Stoppers receives 10 to 12 tips each month from energy company employees and the general public, paying callers as much as $1,000 for tips that lead to convictions. All tips are confidential, with rewards funded by donations from oil and gas operators.

“We’ve paid out about 10 rewards over the years where cases have been cracked and arrests made,” Poindexter said. “All tip information is turned over to local law enforcement agencies in the local community where the alleged crime has occurred.”

Since its founding in 1982, ESC has grown beyond Texas to include 950 members representing 165 member companies. In response to demand from its members, the uniquely focused Energy Crime Stoppers program has expanded in recent years to Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, Arkansas, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The ESC differs from other trade organizations, Poindexter said, because of its ongoing strong relationship with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

“We typically conduct free training to 1,000 law enforcement officers each year and partner closely with them in helping them understand and protect the energy sector, especially in the high energy-producing states,” he said. About 20 percent of ESC’s members are from the law enforcement community.

ESC’s Energy Crime Stoppers program strives to be a significant player in the reduction of energy sector crime.

“In order to reach that goal, we have to accomplish two things,” Poindexter explained. “First, in those areas in which we have a foothold, we must continue to propagate our message. We must become well known throughout these regions. We believe by remaining visible and active in these areas, we can play a critical role in deterring theft, fraud and other crimes against energy companies operating there.”

The second goal is to continue to expand the program’s footprint.

“We are continuously evaluating the energy sector activity levels in order to develop an aggressive, but measured, growth strategy. We pay special attention to those areas in which our member companies are active, and look for ways to have an impact for them.”

In addition to leading ESC’s Energy Crime Stoppers since early 2015, Poindexter also acts as director of sales for Lafayette, Louisiana-based Blackhawk Datacom, a technology innovator for the energy, defense and maritime industries.

The recent drop in oil prices and resulting constriction of the upstream oil and gas market has sparked a rise in oilfield crime, he said.

“Often people who have been negatively impacted by the leaner job prospects turn to unscrupulous methods of supplementing their income,” Poindexter said. “Obviously, now more than ever, the companies operating in the field cannot afford to sustain losses due to theft or fraud.

“We cannot place the burden on the oil and gas companies and law enforcement alone. We need to find creative ways to reach out to the communities in which these companies operate and instill in them the spirit of cooperation that will lead people who see something to say something. The threat is too widespread, and the consequences for not getting involved can have a severe impact.”

For more information, visit www.Energysecuritycouncil.org, or call (888) 645-TIPS (8477) or (281) 587-2700.

BlackHawk Datacom Teams with Infrastructure Networks, Inc.

11-Mar-2015

Lafayette, LA

BlackHawk Datacom (BlackHawk), the leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the oil and gas sector, has partnered with Infrastructure Networks (INET) to pilot a commercial grade LTE system in the Gulf of Mexico. This pilot deployment stems from the success of BlackHawk and INET providing high speed, low latency connectivity in the major US shale plays, and will provide an opportunity for offshore and maritime operators to experience a technology never before offered in the Gulf.

John Poindexter, CEO of BlackHawk, said, “Our customers continue to take a more strategic approach in how connectivity is handled for their remote operations. Providing LTE coverage to operators in the Gulf will enable the flexibility, speed, and security needed to run more advanced applications – all at more economical rates than traditional communications.” BlackHawk management will be leveraging over 40 years’ experience working in the Gulf to provide the engineering, construction, and testing of several LTE based applications during the pilot.

“One of the major advantages of LTE is its ability to provide wireless broadband service to moving vessels.” Stanley Hughey, Chief Strategy Officer of Infrastructure Networks, said,

“During our study of existing communications options in the Gulf of Mexico it became apparent that surface vessels operating offshore represented a large un-served market. Once deployed, INET’s LTE network will offer the only communications solution that will allow a vessel to move seamlessly from port to sea without the use of expensive satellite equipment.” He concluded by saying, “INET’s LTE network availability, coupled with the ability of customers to use their Verizon LTE handset offshore, is a game changer for companies and personnel operating in the Gulf.”

To demonstrate this capability L&M Botruc Rental will deploy LTE service on one of its fleet of offshore vessels during the pilot period. Jacob Pitre, Vice President of Operations for L&M Botruc Rental, said “I am excited about the opportunity to have one of our vessels use this advanced wireless technology. With INET’s LTE deployment, it will deliver high speed and improved connectivity, which will provide efficiency in our operations in the Gulf.”

INET plans to begin establishing substantial LTE network coverage over a wide area of the Gulf of Mexico upon the successful completion of the pilot LTE project. This industrial LTE service has been highly anticipated by many companies striving for a more reliable, efficient and economical way to connect to their remote assets.

About BlackHawk Datacom

BlackHawk Datacom is a dynamic, innovative and successful Energy, Defense and Maritime industry communications provider. We offer a broad array of satellite, broadband wireless and two-‐way communications solutions designed to help our customers successfully communicate with their remote field operations. Our mission is to provide integrated Information & Communication Technology (ICT) solutions for companies with mission critical field operations in remote and often harsh environments.

About Infrastructure Networks, Inc.

Founded in March of 2011, Infrastructure Networks provides next-‐generation wireless broadband communications founded on 4G LTE wireless technology focused exclusively on critical infrastructure industries. Since its founding, the company has been rapidly expanding its network in the Bakken Shale in North Dakota, the Niobrara Shale in Colorado, the Eagle Ford Shale and Permian Basin in Texas, as well as the Texas Panhandle and in Kern County, California.

BlackHawk Datacom Elected to Energy Security Council Board

13-Jan-2015 Energy Security Council (ESC) Board Chairman Rob Ream announced to the membership they were seeking a volunteer to help lead the Energy Crime Stoppers program. After the Fall meeting was over, four different members spoke to Rob and volunteered for the Energy Crime Stoppers leadership role.

Over the past 5 weeks they visited with and evaluated the four volunteer candidates and are most pleased to announce they have selected Tracy Poindexter, Director of Sales with BlackHawk Datacom to be the new Energy Crime Stoppers Chairman. The Chairman of the Energy Crime Stoppers program will report into the ESC Board via the Chair of the LELC (Law Enforcement Liaison Committee). If this person is unavailable, the Executive Director of ESC will function as the liaison on behalf of the Board.

For your awareness, here is a bit of background information on Tracy. He is a native of Louisiana and a six year veteran of the Marine Corp where he served in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After his military service Tracy built a career in the oilfields of North Texas as a roughneck and later as an offshore communications technician in the Gulf of Mexico. Tracy joined Datacom in 1997 and has held a variety of leadership roles with the firm. He is now living in Houston where, as Director of Sales for BlackHawk Datacom, he is deeply involved in helping provide remote security and safety technology solutions for the oilfield industry. Tracy is most enthusiastic about promoting the Energy Crime Stoppers program and along with his team of employees, will do all he can to make the Energy Crime Stoppers program an even more dynamic and robust part of our Energy Security Council business

BlackHawk Datacom Opens New Locations

19-Sep-2014

BlackHawk Datacom (BlackHawk), the leading provider of innovative technology solutions to the oil and gas sector, announced that it has opened two new locations to better serve customers. The expansion includes a Houston office, equipped with a full service center as well as a corporate sales office. The new site accommodates BlackHawk’s rapidly growing sales force, facilitates access to corporate customers, and complements established service centers supporting the Eagle Ford and Brazos Valley regions.

Williston, ND joins Houston as the latest service center added to the growing BlackHawk presence. “Customer demand has been the primary motivation for opening a location in the Bakken Shale”, said John Poindexter, CEO of BlackHawk. “Our focus on last-mile innovation, like well site security solutions, has been at the core of our growth. Simply providing connectivity no longer has the same value to operators it once did.” These expansions further secure BlackHawk as the leading provider of technology to enable the digital oilfield. Their strategic approach to solutions for mission critical operations falls hand-in-hand with the direction the oil and gas market is headed. Access control, video surveillance, and traffic management are just a few of the applications offered as part of the lifecycle of an oil well, field, or region.

Headquartered in Lafayette, LA, BlackHawk helps maritime, energy, and government organizations by providing innovative technology solutions for mission critical operations. Additional information isavailable at www.blackhawkdc.com.

Datacom Secures $19.2 Million Capital Investment

07-Jul-2014 Datacom, LLC has secured a capital investment in the Company of $19.2 million led by Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) (“Main Street”).

The initial investment proceeds were used to complete a minority recapitalization, refinance existing debt and provide working capital for growth in Datacom.

In addition to the initial investment, Datacom secured an additional tranche of growth capital totaling $13 million through the Main Street-led facility to expand its current business lines and make acquisitions.

Datacom’s management team retained majority equity ownership in Datacom. Its leadership consists of veteran energy telecommunications and engineering managers who have a combined 175 years of experience in the field.

CEO and founder, John Poindexter, and COO Walt Messa, said, “We are happy to welcome Main Street as a capital partner in Datacom, and we are eager to pursue the significant growth opportunities that are available to the Company with this large capital pool and major financial partner like Main Street. We believe this will be a period of exciting and exponential growth for Datacom and its employees.”

Datacom was assisted in its selection of a capital partner and counseled throughout the transaction by Bruce Bown of Dancing Bear Resources, LLC.

Datacom Opens Permian Basin Service Center

26-Jul-2013

Datacom, a leading provider of mission-critical communications to the maritime, energy, and government sectors, announced that it has added a service center in Midland, TX to support the Permian shale play. This expansion enables world-class customer service for the latest communications technologies including Broadband Wireless, High Throughput Satellite, and VSAT. “We are really excited about the opportunities in West Texas”, said John Poindexter, CEO of Datacom. “Not only is the level of activity growing, but we are able to offer a high speed, low latency solution that far exceeds standard WiMAX and VSAT capabilities. This latest innovation, coupled with our certified field personnel and 24x7 NOC support, is already proving to be disruptive to the existing communications provider market.”

Datacom has over 30 years experience designing, implementing, and supporting communications solutions for operators on land and water across the globe. These offerings are engineered to provide mission-critical communications for every phase of the well lifecycle. The Permian Basin center is the latest addition, expanding the service already available in other major US shale plays.

Datacom helps maritime, energy, and government organizations better communicate with remote assets by providing tailored and scalable solutions. Headquartered in Lafayette, LA, Datacom’s mission is to provide integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions for companies with mission-critical field operations

Datacom Announces Acquisition of North East Texas Communications

18-Jul-2013

Datacom Announces Acquisition of North East Texas Communications

Datacom announced the acquisition of North East Texas Communications (NETCOM) in order to expand their presence in major shale plays across the continental United States.

For 4 years, Carthage, TX based NETCOM has leveraged Datacom’s world-class network infrastructure to deliver fast, reliable digital communications to customers operating in shale plays. Due to synergies across many areas, Datacom has acquired NETCOM to expand offerings for “last mile” communications solutions to oil and gas operators, including voice, internet, and video at drilling and completions sites. “We have always prided ourselves on providing the best service and support in the industry”, said Jason Pitts, President and Founder of NETCOM. “Now, as a part of the Datacom team, we are positioned to give our customers even more capabilities at remote locations. Together we bring over 35 years experience serving the ever-evolving needs of the industry.”

John Poindexter, CEO of Datacom, added “Every day we are seeing technology becoming more integral to the success of oil and gas operators. The pursuit of real-time information to make decisions about their business drives increased IT requirements to accomplish this goal. Our innovative solutions help customers succeed in this endeavor, which falls hand-in-hand with NETCOM’s history of commitment to adapt and respond quickly to their needs“.

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Datacom Opens New Service Centers in Shale Plays

06-Sep-2012

Datacom, a leading provider of mission-critical communications to the maritime, energy, and government sectors, announced that it has opened additional communications service centers to support multiple shale plays. In addition to service centers in the Eagle Ford, Haynesville and Niobrara, local support will now be available for Marcellus, Barnett, and Permian Basin operators. A second Eagle Ford center near San Antonio has also been opened to further meet customer demands in that area, complementing the existing location in Corpus Christi.

Whether it’s satellite, broadband wireless, or terrestrial platforms, these local support centers provide Datacom’s customers with increased reliability for mission-critical field communications. “Working with oil and gas companies for the past 30 years has engrained how important responding quickly to customers’ needs are”, said John Poindexter, CEO of Datacom. “Our expansion of service centers into these high demand areas provides local support expertise at lower costs, resulting in increased productivity for operators”.