Uruguayan operator Antel has deployed GSM connectivity in Antarctica. The operator teamed up with Ericsson to provide mobile telephony at the Artigas Base scientific research station in the South Shetlands, Antarctica.

The network uses radio base stations that are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as low temperatures and strong winds. Ericsson’s RBS 6102 uses the existing satellite connection to provide mobile communications to the island’s inhabitants.

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“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,” said Andrés Tolosa, CEO at Antel.

Nicolas Brancoli, VP at Ericsson Latin America added that the firm has worked with Antel for nearly three decades: “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,” he said.

The Artigas Base was founded 29 years ago and is open all year. It provides logistical support for conducting scientific activities by the Uruguayan Antarctic Program and other operations. The base is over 1,000km from the nearest point in South America.