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The Electronic Communications Office of Iceland Frontpage
The Electronic Communications Office of Iceland Frontpage

Electronic Communications Office

Interference and Reporting

Interference in telecommunications can result in poor call quality, dropped calls, slow internet connections, or complete loss of service. It may affect a single user or entire neighbourhoods. The Electronic Communications Office of Iceland (ECOI) monitors interference issues and responds when users or telecommunications operators experience connectivity problems.

What causes interference?

The most common causes include:

  • Illegal or improperly configured equipment, such as signal repeaters or unlabelled wireless devices.

  • Old microwave antennas that were previously used for the Icelandic Multichannel Television Service and remain connected to a power source.

  • Equipment failures, for example in antennas or transmitters.

  • Operation on incorrect frequencies or transmission at excessive power levels.

How can I tell if there is interference?

You may be experiencing interference if:

  • your connection drops on multiple devices,

  • calls disconnect despite good network coverage,

  • signal strength fluctuates unusually,

  • neighbours experience the same problem.

What can I do?

  1. Check your equipment Restart your devices, review your settings, and try using Wi-Fi Calling.

  2. Test from another location Try a different room, another window, or move outdoors.

  3. Contact your telecommunications provider They can confirm whether there is a fault or a configuration issue affecting the service.

Submit a report to ECOI

If you suspect interference that is not related to your own equipment, you can submit a report to ECOI. We may investigate the issue and take appropriate action.

If you suspect interference, submit a complaint using the form:

Complaint regarding interference affecting radio, television and other services (only in Icelandic)

We respond as quickly as possible and will send specialists to the location if necessary.

What happens after a report is submitted?

  1. ECOI assesses whether the issue is likely to be caused by interference.

  2. If the affected area appears to be impacted, specialists may be dispatched to investigate on site.

  3. Equipment or authorisations may be disabled if they do not comply with applicable regulations.

  4. We work with telecommunications operators to resolve the issue.

  5. You will be contacted if additional information or measurements are required.

In some cases, equipment owned by the user may need to be removed, particularly if it involves outdated or illegal antennas or transmitters.