A1 and Nokia Join to Detect GNSS Disruption

A1 teamed up with Nokia and weather forecast service Skyfora to detect interference affecting Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) through sensors. The Austrian operator group claims that this project evolves its mobile network into a data platform.

A1 stated it is using its existing mobile infrastructure as a distributed sensing layer, enabling ground-based visibility of interference on satellite positioning and timing signals. Currently being tested at select mobile sites in Austria and Slovenia, the initial use case of the capability will be improving short-term weather forecasting.

A1 explained that this same approach enables the detection of GNSS interference, with satellite-based positioning and timing systems such as GPS and Galileo essential for navigation, logistics, aviation and telecoms. Through the feature, A1 can detect anomalies and identify interference, including jamming and spoofing, which can cause disruption across multiple sectors. Jamming, for example, can block or overwhelm satellite signals, while spoofing involves transmitting false signals that can mislead positioning or timing systems.

The trio added that the initiative serves to demonstrate how mobile network infrastructure can evolve beyond its traditional role and support multiple data-driven use cases, from weather forecasting to resilient applications. Christian Laque, CTO of A1 Austria, said it was continuously evolving its network and, by using the same technological foundation for weather sensing, it is now able to detect GNSS interference. “What matters is that this information is created exactly where it is needed, with high geographical resolution and without requiring additional infrastructure,” he added.