Washington, D.C. – February 19, 2025 – Nokia’s lunar 4G network could revolutionize Moon exploration but faces backlash from astronomers and legal barriers on frequency usage.
Nokia is on the verge of making history by deploying the first-ever 4G cellular network on the Moon—but not everyone is celebrating. The project, part of NASA’s Artemis program, faces mounting legal and scientific concerns as astronomers warn of radio interference, and regulatory bodies question the legality of using 4G frequencies in space.
Nokia’s lunar LTE network, set to launch aboard Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, is designed to improve communications for future Moon bases. However, scientists fear radio waves from the network could disrupt space telescopes, interfering with crucial astronomical observations.
Chris De Pree, deputy spectrum manager at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) said:
The Moon has been a quiet zone for deep-space studies. A full-scale 4G network could add unwanted noise to the cosmos.
Adding to the challenge, Nokia’s chosen LTE frequency band is not officially approved for lunar use. The company secured a temporary waiver for the IM-2 mission, but permanent deployment requires compliance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations. NRAO’s spectrum manager Harvey Liszt said:
Using 4G frequencies on the Moon currently violates ITU-R radio regulations.
Despite the hurdles, Nokia remains determined, proposing alternative frequency bands that would comply with global space communication policies.
If 4G can reach the Moon, so can surveillance. As networks expand beyond Earth, protect your data and privacy with ExpressVPN.
Other News At VPNRanks
Hey, wait!
Stay informed on the latest privacy updates, cybersecurity insights, and internet freedom news by following VPNRanks news daily! As your primary resource for critical updates in online security, we ensure you’re always in the know. Make VPNRanks your go-to guide for safeguarding your digital life.
