- HMAS Canberra’s radar unintentionally blocked Wi‑Fi and radio
- New Zealand and Australia coordinated to swiftly resolve the issue
What happened: HMAS Canberra radar causes large‑scale interference in New Zealand
Early on Wednesday, the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Canberra sailed near Wellington. Its navigation radar began operating in the shared 5 GHz band. That frequency also carries Wi‑Fi and radio signals used in New Zealand. The radar’s interference disrupted wireless internet and radio broadcasts across regions stretching from Taranaki to Marlborough. Local services such as BrianFM radio and Primo internet activated backup systems to stay online.
The New Zealand Defence Force contacted the Australian side. HMAS Canberra then shifted its radar frequency. That change restored affected networks within hours. The incident has now been fully resolved, say officials from both countries. The event highlights the vulnerability of shared frequency bands and the need for coordination around military vessels.
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Why it’s important
The interference caused by HMAS Canberra underscores risks in shared spectrum use. Key civilian services rely on the 5 GHz band for Wi‑Fi and broadcasting. Shared use places networks at risk of disruption from high‑power radar. New Zealand officials are reviewing spectrum protocols near naval traffic. The incident may also prompt new safety measures. Coordination between defence and telecom authorities becomes essential.
Civilian broadband systems require protections from unintended military interference. Rural and coastal communities often rely heavily on wireless networks. Ensuring their resilience demands updated policies and technical solutions. Both governments now aim to prevent similar events in future. This case highlights the growing challenge of managing shared radio frequencies safely.
