HomeRadio frequency restrictions

Radio frequency restrictions

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 frequency range 2 – 32 GHz is protected by law due to scientific activity.

  • The Norwegian Mapping Authority (NMA) operates a geodetic observatory that includes two VLBI antennas that operate in the range 2–32 GHz. The NMA activity is protected by Norwegian law.
  • The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) has a satellite receiving station operating between 2.2-2.45 and 7.9-8.4 GHz. Also their measurements rely on adhering to the radio frequency restrictions.

Also the regular use of other radio frequencies outside of the 2 – 32 GHz range is carefully monitored, to avoid interference between different scientific and operational instruments.

Use of radio frequencies

Although the use of equipment that emits radio frequencies should be avoided as much as possible, such equipment can be used for safety, operational and scientific reasons. We can divide this in two different groups:

  • 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.
  • The 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:

1. Inform to NySMAC and NPI and check frequency list

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.

If you want to install an instrument or use other equipment that emits radio frequencies outside of 2 – 32 GHz for more than three weeks, please 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


      2. Apply for a license at the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom)

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

      1. Need an exception on the ban of 2 – 32 GHz
      2. If your instrument/device transmits on other radio frequencies (depends on the exact frequency and emitted power)
      3. 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.

        3. Update on your license

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

        4. Check the measurement schedule of NMA and GFZ

        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

        5. In case you want to use a drone

        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.

        Read more about NySMAC here.

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