December 20. 2011

RigNet Names Chad Winkle Vice President of Sales and Business Development

 Houston, TX - December 20, 2011 - RigNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:  RNET), a leading global provider of managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry, has named Chad Winkle to the position of vice president of sales and business development, announced Mark Slaughter, RigNet's chief executive officer and president.

"We are pleased to have Chad join us at RigNet," said Slaughter, adding "Chad's extensive telecommunications experience in the enterprise segment will help the RigNet team continue to provide industry leading solutions to our clients and continue our strong growth performance."

Based at RigNet's headquarters in Houston, Winkle will lead the sales and business development organization that crafts solutions to oil and gas clients' communications needs in remote locations around the world.  Winkle joins RigNet with over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry focused on the enterprise segment, most recently serving as area vice president, Sales - Central Region for CenturyLink.  He holds a B.S. from Baylor University and an M.B.A. from Sam Houston State University.  He is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Addressing the communications challenges faced by oil and gas companies today in remote locations, RigNet uses the leading remote communications and IP networking technologies to provide high-quality solutions for broadband data, voice and video communications, as well as real-time data management.  RigNet's turnkey solution includes installation, management and support for its customers' communications systems without requiring them to invest in and manage expensive telecommunications equipment.  This allows RigNet's customers to enjoy high-quality, state-of-the-art communications services without the high costs and risks associated with an internal solution.

About RigNet

RigNet (NASDAQ: RNET) is a leading global provider of managed communications, networks and collaborative applications dedicated to the oil and gas industry, focusing on offshore and onshore drillng rigs, offshore production facilities and energy maritime vessels.  RigNet provides solutions ranging from fully-managed voice and data networks to more advanced applications that include video conferencing and real-time data services to remote sites in over 30 countries on six continents, effectively spanning the drilling and production industry.  RigNet is based in Houston, Texas.  For more information, please visit www.rig.net.  RigNet is a registered trademark of RigNet, Inc.