Temporary communication infrastructure to be built

Telecommunication companies Nova, Sýn, and Síminn are deploying mobile communication units to ensure network security during the upcoming solar eclipse on August 12. This collaborative effort aims to manage the anticipated surge in network traffic caused by the celestial event and the influx of tourists.

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We are on good schedule, but one can never prepare enough for something like this.

Ólafur Magnússon, director of technology and innovation at Nova, stated that preparations for this joint project with Síminn, Sýn, Míla, Sendafélagið, Almannavarna, and Neyðarlínan began early this year. He expressed confidence in the preparedness but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of such events.

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The current situation is that all basic communication works, but the system is designed so that emergency calls and regular calls get priority, and what is left over is internet traffic.

Magnússon explained that while the core communication systems are designed to prioritize emergency calls, internet traffic will likely face limitations. In areas with the highest concentration of people and fewer infrastructure resources, such as near Látrabjarg, uploading content to the internet may be difficult. The current network setup relies on microwave links, and the connection is comparable to a few home connections, lacking fiber optic support.

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So the likely situation is that basic communication will work, but in those places where there will be the most people and the least infrastructure, like near Látrabjarg, I would say it is unlikely that anyone can upload anything to the internet.

He advised visitors to record videos and photos and post them later, as the network's capacity for data uploads will be significantly reduced. Magnússon assured that it is highly unlikely for the system to fail for emergency calls unless thousands attempt to make calls simultaneously.

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So people will have to make do with recording videos and photos and posting them on social media later.