Quality of telecommunications in Latvia's border region sparks security apprehensions
In the border regions of Latvia, particularly in the eastern parts, residents and travellers have been experiencing reduced telephone and internet signals. The specific reasons for these disruptions can be traced back to Russian electronic interference and jamming of satellite navigation and communication signals [1].
Russia has increased the use of GPS and GNSS jamming devices near its borders with Baltic states, including Latvia, as part of hybrid tactics aimed at protecting its military sites and disrupting surveillance capabilities and civil communication in neighbouring countries [1]. This electronic interference affects not only navigation systems but also other communication signals that rely on satellite links, potentially including telephone and internet signals in border areas.
The sparsely populated border regions with challenging terrain and limited telecommunications infrastructure exacerbate the impact of such signal disruptions. The geopolitical tensions in the region and hybrid operations, including border security concerns and military activities, contribute to operational challenges for communication providers [3].
To address this issue, operators and state authorities in Latvia and the broader Baltic region are taking several measures. They are monitoring and documenting signal disruptions, engaging in technical countermeasures, and coordinating between ministries responsible for security, internal affairs, and technical regulations to mitigate the impact of signal jamming [1]. Additionally, they are enhancing border security infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to hybrid interference tactics and planning and maintaining resilient communication systems that are less reliant on vulnerable satellite signals where possible [2].
Despite these efforts, communication issues persist in certain areas, such as Izvalta, where signal quality can be inconsistent while driving on roads. Neighbours often inform each other about communication issues in Izvalta, and locals in the Demene municipality report a very poor signal [3]. Some residents in Izvalta have LMT service only in one corner of their homes, despite not being in a border area [3].
The Augšdaugava Municipality leadership has expressed suspicions that telecommunications operators are deliberately reducing the transmission signal, but there is no evidence to support this claim [3]. Girts Ozols, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre, and Zane Ločmele, head of the association "Krāslava District Partnership", have both stated that signal quality varies depending on the operator, with some towers blocking each other's capacities [3].
To improve infrastructure at the Latvian-Belarusian border, the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre plans to invest €300 million, including broadband internet connection, video surveillance, and data processing centers [3]. Signe Bāliņa, President of the Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association (LIKTA), mentioned that 27 broadband internet towers have been built nationwide, with three operators already using them [2].
Despite the challenges, operators such as Tele2 and Bite have denied any reduction or shutdown of capacities in the border area, with Aleksandrs Belajevs, Head of the Radio Network Department at Bite, stating that the network is being developed, not degraded [3]. Oskars Fīrmanis, Tele2 spokesman, also confirmed this stance [3].
In summary, the reduced telephone and internet signals at Latvia's border are mainly caused by Russian jamming of satellite navigation and communication signals, with Latvian operators and authorities addressing the problem through surveillance, technical countermeasures, and security cooperation [1][3]. Residents and travellers in border regions continue to experience communication issues, but efforts are being made to improve infrastructure and signal quality in the affected areas.
- The reduced telephone and internet signals in Latvia's border regions, particularly Izvalta, might be due to the interference of satellite communication signals by Russia's GPS and GNSS jamming devices.
- To mitigate the communication issues in Latvia, the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre plans to invest in infrastructure improvements, including broadband internet connection, video surveillance, and data processing centers at the Latvian-Belarusian border.
- Radio and television broadcasters such as the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre and the association "Krāslava District Partnership" have stated that signal quality varies depending on the operator, with some towers potentially blocking each other's capacities.
