Tireless and wireless: Pioneers of communication on Svalbard

Wireless communication developed rapidly from the 1890s. The new technologogy was particularly useful in remote areas - like Svalbard. The introduction of radiotelegraphy shaped the modern history of Svalbard in many ways: Establishing telegraph stations was important in the struggle for supremacy in the area and in economic activity. Wireless communication facilitated and generated scientific research, and improved weather forecasting. It was also essential for the airborn polar expeditions of explorers like Wellman, Amundsen and Nobile.