Telenor Launches Base Station at Norwegian Polar Institute in Antarctica

Telenor has installed a base station in Antarctica at the Norwegian Polar Institute’s research station in Troll. The base station, which Telenor claims to be the world’s southernmost, is operated from the world’s northernmost location in Svalbard. The Norwegian research station, Troll, in Antarctica, has now gained extensive coverage in the surrounding area, Telenor announced this week.

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Also Read: Telenor Norway Brings Mobile Coverage to World’s Northernmost Settlement

Operated by Telenor Svalbard

Telenor revealed that the base station was put into operation in February 2024, connecting the area around the Troll research station to the outside world through connectivity. Being the world’s southernmost commercial base station, it is operated by Telenor Svalbard, which is also responsible for operating the world’s northernmost base station in Ny-Alesund.

TelecomTalk reported the launch of the world’s northernmost base station by Telenor in November 2023.

Collaboration with Norwegian Polar Institute and KSAT

“There has been a fruitful dialogue with the Norwegian Polar Institute regarding the possibilities offered by a base station in Antarctica,” said Telenor Svalbard.

“Telenor, with its presence in Svalbard, has extensive experience in building and operating mobile networks in Arctic regions. Mobile coverage is crucial for two Arctic polar regions. For research environments, it is particularly attractive to be able to use mobile technology in the collection of data from fieldwork. Mobile coverage also provides new opportunities for research and environmental monitoring in Antarctica.”

“Mobile coverage is a step forward for technology development at Troll. In addition, it provides new opportunities in research and monitoring in Queen Maud Land,” said the Polar Institute’s director.

In addition to close collaboration with the Norwegian Polar Institute, Telenor Svalbard noted that it also collaborates with Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), responsible for the actual communication service from the Troll station.