Radio or mobile interference

Complaints about interference in telecommunications can be directed to the Electronic Communications Office of Iceland (ECOI). ECOI will try to locate the origin of interference as soon as possible and take the necessary action to rectify the problem.

Complaints form for radio interference

Equipment connected to obsolete microwave TV antennas is causing interference for GSM telephones

Measurements made by the Electronic Communications Office of Iceland (ECOI) indicate that there is considerable interference for GSM mobiles in various areas in the Reykjavik area, for example in, Vesturbær, Fossvogur og certain areas in Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður. Interference is also possible in Akranes, Selfoss and Reykjanesbær.

The interference is due to malfunctioning obsolete microwave antenna receivers, so-called frequency converters, that were used to receive Fjölvarpið some years ago. It ceased broadcasting in 2017, but thousands of antennas are still installed and active. The only way to eliminate the interference is to unplug the power supply or disconnect the antenna on the roof.

Instructions for homeowners or tenants

We ask that homeowners or tenants of buildings, where the antennas are still mounted, check whether the equipment is still connected to power. If so to please disconnect it. It varies from home to home where the equipment is located.

In apartment buildings, the equipment can be located for example in a loft or an attic, in common spaces, such as laundry rooms or bicycle storage rooms, or in and around power stacks. Although most often the equipment or power supply is located near TV inlets, behind TV sets or in TV cabinets and sometimes in adjacent garages.

Picture 1 below- Examples of microwave antennas

Picture 2 above - examples of power supplies

Start by checking if an antenna is visible on the building. If you see one:

Locate the power supply and disconnect if needed.

If the power supply can´t be located, the connection to the antenna must be severed. IMPORTANT! This must be done by a verified contractor.

We ask that homeowners seek assistance or the service of a verified contractor in removing the antennas. This is especially important in apartment buildings where the setup of the equipment can be particularly complex.

You can find further information here on the website in Icelandic.

If you need assistance with this particular interference or wish to let us know that you have successfully disconnected the antenna on your building, **send us a message on Facebook.**

Contacts at ECOI are:  Sigurður Ísleifsson Tel. 5101529 and Bjarni Sigurðsson Tel. 5101517