The only city in the world where Wi-Fi is banned is Green Bank, a small town with 143 residents in the US state of West Virginia.
The ban is due to the city being in the National Radio Quiet Zone, an area surrounding the Green Bank Observatory, one of the world's most important observatories for astronomical research.
The “Quiet Zone” is a rectangular piece of land approximately 13,000 miles (34,000 km²) in size. It includes the borders of Virginia and West Virginia and part of Maryland; It is located between the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, West Virginia, and the Sugar Grove Station in Sugar Grove, also in West Virginia. Includes all land between the latitudes 37° 30′ 0.4″ N and 39° 15′ 0.4″ N; and longitudes between 78° 29′ 59.0″ W and 80° 29′ 59.2″ W.
Since 1958, Wi-Fi has been banned in Green Bank to protect the observations of the Green Bank Observatory. The observatory is a major astronomical research center that uses radio telescopes to study the universe. Electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi and other electronic devices can interfere with the observatory's observations.
WiFi and anything that could cause disruption is prohibited
The National Radio Quiet Zone is designed to minimize electromagnetic interference. Therefore, the use of all devices that emit radio signals is prohibited, including cell phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radios and televisions. Cars driving in the area must also have diesel engines as petrol engines cause interference.
The decision to ban Wi-Fi in Green Bank drew criticism from some residents, saying it was an unnecessary restriction that prevented them from taking advantage of new technology. However, supporters of the ban argue that it is necessary to protect astronomical research and may also have health benefits, as electromagnetic waves can cause health problems such as headaches, nausea and sleep disorders.
The NRAO actively monitors this area by checking for the presence of significant electromagnetic radiation, e.g. Such as microwave ovens, Wi-Fi routers, defective electrical devices, etc. However, it has no legal authority to prevent their use, although the FCC can impose a $50 fine on anyone who violates such restrictions.
A city like “before”
Despite the ban, Green Bank remains a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a technology-free lifestyle. The city has a museum, a visitor center, and several hiking and biking trails.
In addition, this city has attracted the attention of many people suffering from the so-called electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), a series of symptoms attributed to electromagnetic fields, even if they are non-ionizing and weak.
The energy generated by wireless communication is believed to cause skin rashes, headaches and other illnesses. Although science and medicine do not believe Wi-Fi is the cause, some people have taken refuge in Green Bank for relief from their symptoms. Some residents say they have felt better since staying in Green Bank.
The city is almost the same as it was a few decades ago. Maybe a little bigger and with a Dollar General franchise store and a pizza delivery service, but without the technologies that define and sometimes overwhelm modern life in much of the world.
A documentary called “The American city bans cell phones and WiFi“, which interviews several residents, shows the daily life of the city and discusses such curious things as the fact that they have to sign a document agreeing not to use wireless networks.
With information from: