Radio frequency restrictions in Ny-Ålesund

HomeRadio frequency restrictions in Ny-Ålesund

There are restrictions on the use of radio frequencies (RF) in the frequency range 2-32 GHz in the geographical area within a 20 km radius from Ny-Ålesund. In practice, this means that the use of WiFi and Bluetooth is not allowed in Ny-Ålesund. The use of other frequencies is carefully monitored too.

Scientific background

The Norwegian Mapping Authority (NMA) operates a geodetic observatory that includes two VLBI antennas. These antennas monitor weak signals from space and are very sensitive to interfering radio signals. The NMA’s monitoring activity is protected by Norwegian law, and is the reason for the ban on the use of radio transmitters operating in the 2-32 GHz band.

In addition, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) operates a satellite receiving station, receiving signals from satellites in the 2.2-2.45 and 7.9-8.4 GHz bands. GFZ’s activities benefit from the ban on the use of radio transmitters operating in the 2-32 GHz band. Similarly, other institutions, installations and measurements profit from a low level of radio usage.

Some parts of the radio frequency spectrum, in- and outside of the 2 – 32 GHz range, are carefully monitored on site, to avoid interference between different scientific and operational instruments.

Use of radio frequencies

Although the use of equipment that emits radio frequencies should be kept on a minimal level, such equipment can be used for safety, operational and scientific reasons. The usage can be divided in two categories:

Exceptions on the ban of 2 – 32 GHz. In practice, those exceptions are applied for and granted for short campaigns, most often for using drones or temporal data transfer. Even if granted permission, you can only use 2 – 32 GHz outside of the measuring hours of NMA and GFZ.
Use of radio frequencies outside of this range (either transmitting, receiving or both). This is in practice the case for long-term research installations or safety equipment.

Applying for the use of radio frequencies

Applying for the use of radio frequencies consists of two overarching steps, which includes getting the official, legal allowance by the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) and informing and coordinating with the scientific community of Ny-Ålesund (NySMAC) to avoid interference with other instruments.

Please follow the following steps if you want to use radio emitters and/ or receivers:

Inform the NySMAC representative from your institution and NPIs research coordinator about your research plans and your need for the use of radio frequencies. Please send them the filled out NySMAC form on radio frequencies.

Have a look in the frequency list and check if your instrument interferes with already existing equipment. Your NySMAC representative or NPI will help you coordinate and assess this with the radio silence working group.

Frequency list

Apply for a license at the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom). This is required:

If your instrument/device emits on the radiofrequencies between 2 – 32 GHz
If your instrument/device transmits on other radio frequencies that are not covered by the “free-use-regulation” (depends on the exact frequency and emitted power, read more below)
If your instrument / device is a satellite receiver

More information on the legal framework

Free use under certain conditions – The General Authorization Legislation

Norwegian legislation regarding the use of radio frequencies is described in the General authorisations regulations or fribruksforskriften and allows for a general “free use” (no application needed) of some frequencies under certain conditions (e.g. signal power). However, use of the frequency range between 2 and 32 GHz in the geographical area within a 20 km radius from Ny-Ålesund always needs explicit permission from The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom).

For equipment that is not covered by the General Authorization Legislation

When Nkom processes applications for use of transmitters that are not covered by the General Authorization legislation, they will base their decision on international frequency regulations and harmonisations. Nkom will seek to protect other radio services with priority in the requested bands and other existing licences in Ny-Ålesund. Nkom may reject an application due to risk of interference with protected bands or existing licences.

Equipment that only receives radio frequencies

Normally, devices that only receive Radio Frequenices (RF) (i.e., passive listening devices) do not require a permission from Nkom. Note, though, that satellite receiver stations do require such a permission. While a permission is not required for RF receivers, it is recommended that information about any important RF receiving equipment in Ny-Ålesund is conveyed to Nkom. Having such information at hand will enable Nkom to reach an informed decision regarding any future applications for the placement of RF emitting devices in Ny-Ålesund – weighing pros and cons.

Information regarding passive RF receivers and their purpose should be sent to Nkom at firmapost@nkom.no.

Update your NySMAC representative and the research coordinator of NPI on your license. The representative will then inform the scientific community via the NySMAC PID forum.

This is only relevant in case of the use of 2 – 32 GHz. Check the measurement schedules of NMA and GFZ (see below). After receiving the approval from NKOM, you are only allowed to use the 2 – 32 GHz range when NMA and GFZ are NOT measuring. Please contact both NMA and GFZ to inform about and coordinate your activities.

Contact information NMA: vlbi@kartverket.no
Contact information GFZ: falck@gfz.de

How and where to check the schedules of NMA and GFZ

The schedules from NMA are published by NASA on the sites marked out below. NMA are doing 24 h and 1 h measurements that are reported to NASA. The instruments are calibrated prior to the actual measurement which adds one hour to each session prior to the time set in the schedule (24 h and 1 h measurements). Extra local session can be scheduled, and will be announced in the weekly meeting and on the PiD-forum prior to the sessions.

The schedule includes additional information not relevant for Ny-Ålesund. Look for the stations that are marked with Ns and/or Nn (can be both or either Ns/Nn) to find the correct information about when NMA is running operations. See the schedules here:

NB! The time in the schedule is given as UTC. As Norway is one hour (two hours during summer) ahead of UTC you have to adjust the schedule accordingly by adding 1 hour to the times given in the schedule in wintertime, and 2 hours in summertime. In addition you have to add one hour prior to the sessions, due to calibration of instruments on site.

The 24 hour operation schedule can be found here

The 1 hour operation can be found here

The schedule of GFZ and more information on how to prevent disturbance of satellite reception is on their web site.

GFZ – time schedule and information

In case you want to use a drone, please read more on needed allowances and licenses on our drone webpage. You will have to coordinate with the airport and with the aviation authorities, and need to have all the correct licenses in place.

The Norwegian Mapping Authority’s Geodetic Earth Observatory in Ny-Ålesund

The observatory ranks as the northernmost facility of its kind.
Photo: NMA

The observatory is among a handful of the world’s first core sites within the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), co-locating the four space geodetic techniques: Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS).

The observatory is a fundamental part of a network of stations which define the global geodetic reference frame, and will be crucial to realise GGOS’s ambitious goals of 1 mm accuracy and 0.1 mm/yr stability. Read more about the observatory here.

Ny-Ålesund Science Managers Committee (NySMAC) and the Radio Silence Working Group

What is NySMAC?
Ny-Ålesund Science Managers Commitee (NySMAC) promotes cooperation and coordination between actors engaged in research and environmental monitoring in Ny-Ålesund. NySMAC currently consists of 18 member institutions, and four observer institutions. NySMAC gatheres to meet twice a year.

What is NySMAC doing?
NySMAC provides advice and comments on research projects, research planning and coordination, infrastructure development, and environmental protection, and promotes collaboration, mutual understanding and friendship.

The Radiosilence Working Group
NySMAC established in 2010 the radio silence working group (RSWG) to produce written recommendations for functional procedures and organization for a consistent follow-up of the rules for radio quietness in Ny-Ålesund. Since then the RSWG have existed to maintain the focus on the issue with radio silence in Ny-Ålesund. The RSWG reports to NySMAC at every meeting, and brings to the table issues that needs to be discussed or focused upon.

The group is currently chaired by Carsten Falck from German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), with member representatives from Norwegian Mapping Authority, Norwegian Polar Institute, Kings Bay AS, Andøya Space, NORCE and Alfred Wegener Institute.

What is the NySMAC PID-Forum?
The NySMAC PID forum is an internal forum for NySMAC members to inform and discuss about project and program activities and other more general issues.

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