Telenor deploys world’s southernmost base station in Antarctica, aiding researchers with IoT data gathering and staff safety in extreme conditions
Telenor is a Norwegian telecommunications company that has recently made headlines for establishing the world’s southernmost commercial base station in Antarctica. This base station, located at the Norwegian Polar Institute’s research station, Troll, provides mobile connectivity to a vast area in one of the harshest environments on Earth. What makes this base station unique, aside from being the southernmost in the world, is that it is operated from the world’s northernmost at Ny Ålesund.
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Telenor has extensive experience in building and operating mobile networks in Arctic regions and has collaborated with the Norwegian Polar Institute to establish this base station. The company’s societal mission includes providing technology that makes research work easier, and the establishment of this base station opens up new possibilities for research.
Operations in Polar Regions
Christian Skottun, the Head of Telenor Svalbard, underscores the pivotal role of collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute in laying the groundwork for establishing mobile coverage in Antarctica.
“We have engaged in a productive dialogue with the Norwegian Polar Institute regarding the potential of a base station in Antarctica. Telenor, leveraging its presence in Svalbard, brings extensive experience in constructing and managing mobile networks in Arctic regions. Mobile coverage holds significant importance for both Arctic poles. For research communities, the utilization of mobile IoT for data collection during fieldwork is particularly compelling. Moreover, mobile coverage opens up new avenues for research and environmental monitoring in the Antarctic oceanic region.”
The primary impetus behind this ambitious project is to furnish essential mobile coverage to the Norwegian Polar Institute’s research station, Troll, situated in Antarctica. Troll serves as a central hub for scientific exploration and environmental research, where dependable communication is paramount for the success of ongoing projects and the safety of researchers operating in the area.
“This base station not only enhances safety but also marks a significant technological advancement for Troll. Furthermore, it creates fresh opportunities for research and monitoring in Queen Maud Land,” states Camilla Brekke, the Director of the Polar Institute.
Collaboration
In addition to its close collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute, Telenor Svalbard also partners with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT). KSAT, responsible for providing communication services from the Troll station, owns and operates TrollSat, one of the world’s foremost ground stations for collecting data from climate and environmental monitoring satellites. Co-located with the research station at Troll, TrollSat plays a crucial role in transmitting satellite-based information from Troll to users worldwide.
New opportunities in research
“Having full mobile coverage at Troll not only benefits our users but also streamlines communication with the outside world. We are therefore delighted that the satellite link from Troll can also accommodate mobile phone traffic,” remarks Rolf Skatteboe, CEO of KSAT.
Birgitte Engebretsen, CEO of Telenor Norway, expresses pride and satisfaction in Telenor’s contribution to establishing mobile connectivity between the poles.
“As part of our societal mission, we are committed to providing technology that simplifies research endeavors. We believe that the introduction of our new technological solutions creates fresh opportunities for research,” Engebretsen remarks.
Overview
Telenor, the Norwegian telecommunications company, has launched the world’s southernmost commercial base station in Antarctica, at the Norwegian Polar Institute’s research station, Troll. This initiative aims to provide mobile connectivity to researchers and ensure staff safety in extreme Antarctic conditions.
Key Points:
Location: The base station is situated at the Norwegian Polar Institute’s research station, Troll, in Antarctica, making it the southernmost commercial base station globally.
Operation: Telenor operates the base station from Ny Ålesund, the world’s northernmost base, demonstrating their expertise in polar regions.
Collaboration: Telenor collaborates closely with the Norwegian Polar Institute and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) for effective communication services and data transmission from Troll to users worldwide.
Benefits: The base station aids researchers with IoT data gathering and enhances staff safety, crucial in Antarctica’s harsh climate.
Opportunities: Birgitte Engebretsen, CEO of Telenor Norway, highlights the company’s commitment to advancing research and creating new opportunities through technological solutions.
In conclusion, Telenor’s establishment of the world’s southernmost commercial base station in Antarctica not only exemplifies technological innovation but also underscores the company’s commitment to advancing connectivity and empowering research communities in the most challenging environments.
