Photo: Helge T. Markussen

Procedures for the use of radio frequencies in Ny-Ålesund

HomeResearch, monitoring and flagshipsResearchers’ GuideRestrictions on the use of radio transmittersProcedures for the use of radio frequencies in Ny-Ålesund

Are you planning to use, or set up equipement
or instruments that transmit radio frequencies (RF)*?

Please comply to the procedures below to follow the Norwegian regulations (1), and the local procedures in Ny-Ålesund,
The NySMAC Procedures (2).

In addition, your activity has to be coordinated with the (3) Norwegian Mapping Authority and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) to avoid their measurement time-schedule.

* In general terms this means equipement that use wireless communication (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or other).

(1) Norwegian regulations

The use of radio frequencies in the 2–32 GHz frequency band is not allowed within a 20 km radius from Ny-Ålesund.

The legal framework for frequency use is managed by the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom). Nkom has the official responsibility for all frequency use in Norway, including on Svalbard and in Ny-Ålesund. Equipment that emits radio waves cannot be used without a frequency license from Nkom.

How to apply for a license from Nkom? Go the Nkom-webpage here!

(2) The NySMAC Procedures

All RF usage in Ny-Ålesund needs to be brought to NySMAC, additional to and independently from the application of licenses (if required), which must be directed to Nkom.

If it turns out that a new instrument disturbs measurements carried out by other actors in Ny-Ålesund, the new instrument has to be shut down until the RF interference has been investigated.

NySMAC may decide that an instrument cannot be used. Following the NySMAC procedures reduces the risk of disturbances and supports a smooth operation of new and existing instruments.

Are you using transmitting or receiving devices? Click on the appropriate box below to see what you need to do:

Use of RF transmitting devices
  • Check if the device is really needed and no alternative is possible. As a general rule, long-term use of RF emitting devices should be located elsewhere.
  • Check the NySMAC frequency list to avoid conflicts with other local equipment:
NySMAC Frequency List
  • Fill out the NySMAC Radio Frequency Form and comply to step 1-3 below:
Radio Frequency Form

  • Need help to fill out the form?
Guide to fill out – Radio Frequency Form
  1.  send it to the research coordinator (research.nya@npolar.no) of the Ny-Ålesund research station to update the NySMAC frequency list (in case that it is longer than 3 weeks) and to inform the Radio Silence Working Group.
  2. send it to the NySMAC representative of the institution hosting your project to post it on the NySMAC PID-forum and to bring the request to the table at the next upcoming NySMAC meeting.
  3. Follow the recommendations given by NySMAC (if any).
  • The institution in Ny-Ålesund hosting the project or activity has to bring the accepted request for use to the Ny-Ålesund Research Station Weekly Meeting for situational awareness.
Use of RF receiving devices
  1. Fill out the NySMAC Radio Frequency Form:
Radio Frequency Form

If you need help to fill out the form read the guide below and send it to the research coordinator of Ny-Alesund Research Station to update the NySMAC frequency list and to inform the Radio Silence Working Group.

Guide to fill out – Radio Frequency Form

2. Have the NySMAC representative from your institution or the institution hosting your project to inform the other NySMAC members by posting information on the NySMAC PID forum.

3. Follow the recommendations given by NySMAC (if any).

(3) Coordination with the Norwegian Mapping Authority (NMA) and GFZ

You need to inform NMA if you are planning to transmitt RF within the range 2-32 GHz. Send the license from Nkom and NySMAC Radio Frequency Form to vlbi@kartverket.no prior to your visit to Ny-Ålesund Research Station.

You also have to check the time-schedules below, from both NMA and GFZ to avoid using frequencies during their monitoring.

To not disturb these measurements, transmitters can only be used when NMA and GFZ are not doing measurements.

How to follow the schedule from 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 GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences has a satellite receiving station operating between 2.2-2.29 and 2.4-2.45 GHz. Like the measurements conducted by NMA, the activities of GFZ rely on other actors in Ny-Ålesund adhering to the radio silence regulations described above. GFZ provides information on how to prevent disturbance of satellite reception on their web site.

GFZ – time schedule and information

Ny-Ålesund Science Managers Committee (NySMAC)

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.

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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