Telecommunications Resilience at Látrabjarg Strengthened Ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse

A large number of visitors is expected in the parts of Iceland where the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will be most visible and last the longest. These areas include the Reykjanes Peninsula, West Iceland, as well as the Westfjords. Such an influx of visitors may place significant, though temporary, pressure on local infrastructure, particularly mobile communications networks.

Mobile network operators are currently preparing a range of measures in Snæfellsnes in West Iceland and Reykjanes to accommodate the increased demand associated with the eclipse. The situation at Látrabjarg, however, is more challenging, as planned telecommunications infrastructure development in the area has been delayed. As a result, more extensive and costly measures are required to improve mobile network capacity and coverage in time for the event.

Based on a proposal from Öryggisfjarskipti (Public Safety communications Network Operator), the Ministry of Infrastructure has therefore decided to provide targeted support for upgrades to mobile network capacity and coverage in the Látrabjarg area ahead of the solar eclipse.

“It is necessary to upgrade the existing telecommunications infrastructure, as the installation of power cables and fibre-optic connections in the area cannot be completed in time. Telecommunications resilience in the Látrabjarg area, where demand is expected to be high, will be strengthened through the cooperation of mobile network operators and with the support of the Ministry,” said Eyjólfur Ármannsson, Minister of Infrastructure.

The measures are intended to enhance the capacity and coverage of existing mobile network transmitters, support emergency preparedness and response operations, and reduce the risk of serious disruptions to mobile communications services in the area.

Calls to 112 Always Receive Priority

Calls to Iceland’s emergency number, 112, will always receive priority over other telecommunications traffic on mobile networks. Despite this prioritisation, it remains important to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure in areas where unusually high demand is expected, both to ensure the best possible service for the public and to support the work of emergency response agencies.