“Electrosensitives” flock to Wi-Fi quiet zone as teens set up rogue hotspots

In Green Bank (WV), radio transmissions are heavily restricted to protect the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. The Federal Communications Commission established the National Radio Quiet Zone in 1958 to protect the observatory’s sensitive radio telescopes from interference, and state law restricts transmissions within a radius of 10 miles of any radio astronomy facility.

The restrictions are annoying to some residents who would like a greater ability to use wireless devices. But for nearly a decade, those limits have ensured that Green Bank has been attracting “electrosensitive” residents, who have ailments they believe are caused by electromagnetic fields. Kids in Green Bank with smartphones are apparently finding ways around the restrictions, often connecting to a home Wi-Fi network to communicate with friends.