5G Interference Prompts Signal Ban in Ny-Ålesund Research Zone

In the remote settlement of Ny-Ålesund, located in the Arctic region of Svalbard, researchers are facing significant disruptions due to mobile device usage by tourists. This has become particularly problematic since the introduction of 5G mobile networks, leading to the imposition of a strict communication ban aimed at protecting sensitive scientific operations.

Ny-Ålesund is recognized as the northernmost permanently inhabited location on Earth, home to only about 30 residents year-round, with a fluctuating population that increases during the summer months when numerous scientists conduct research. To facilitate ongoing scientific endeavors, authorities have established a comprehensive signal ban covering all frequencies from 2 to 32 GHz within a 20-kilometer radius. Furthermore, regulations also restrict the use of drones in the area.

According to reports, the Norwegian Mapping Authority has expressed concerns about the increasing interference caused by tourism, particularly from cruise ships, which raises critical questions about the future designation of Ny-Ålesund: should it remain a scientific research hub or cater primarily to tourism?

The signal ban is specifically designed to safeguard the Geodetic Earth Observatory operated by the Mapping Authority, which employs various techniques to contribute to the global efforts in developing a coherent Earth model. The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) aims for precision to the millimeter and stability measurements of 0.1 millimeters per year. Techniques such as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) are utilized at the observatory to achieve these goals.

Additionally, the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences operates a satellite receiving station in Ny-Ålesund, which is also critically dependent on the enforcement of the communication ban. This facility receives data from research satellites in polar orbits, but it is prohibited from transmitting signals back to them. Installed measuring devices provide insights into the disturbances encountered, with data available for online viewing. Notably, the frequency band utilized by the 5G network is registered at 800 MHz, which, while being outside the regulated frequency range, shows significant interference during the summer months when cruise ships visit, revealing strong signals in the restricted frequency range.

The increasing challenges posed by mobile communications in this fragile environment underscore the necessity for a balanced approach that prioritizes scientific research while also addressing the impact of tourism on the local ecosystem.