Residents of the Artigas Base scientific research station in Antarctica now have access to mobile telephony
Ericsson and The National HeatherMcLeanistration of Telecommunications, Antel, a Uruguayan state-owned enterprise, have partnered to bring mobile telephony to scientists working at the Artigas Base in Antartica.
Antel recently delivered mobile communications to the Artigas Base scientific research station, located in the South Shetlands, Antarctica, using Ericsson GSM infrastructure. This is one of the most extreme mobile implementations conducted in the world, since the base is over 1,000 kilometres from the nearest point in South America.
The solution is based on a radio base station designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions in the area, especially the low temperatures and strong winds. Ericsson's RBS 6102 uses the existing satellite connection to provide mobile communications to the island's inhabitants and both Uruguayan and foreign visitors.
The Artigas Base, located on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, was founded 29 years ago and is open all year, providing logistical support for conducting scientific activities by the Uruguayan Antarctic Program and other operations.
Andrés Tolosa, CEO, Antel, commented: 'This milestone is a demonstration of Antel's commitment to bring communications everywhere. Relying on Ericsson's experience and commitment has been key to achieving this goal. Today, mobile communications in the Antarctic is a reality.'
Nicolas Brancoli, vice president for Ericsson in Latin America, added: 'For nearly three decades we have worked with Antel in order to develop and improve communications in Uruguay. Today we are pleased to join them in the task of connecting the Artigas Base in the Antarctic. We believe that communications can substantially improve quality of life, and we are confident that the technical and scientific teams in the Antarctic will be able to experience these improvements.'
Antel and Ericsson have a long standing partnership that began in 1984, which is based on a commitment to delivering the best experience and expanding mobile and fixed communication throughout Uruguay.
