For more than half a century, Green Bank has been an official radio hole - because the small town in the US state of West Virginia is part of the “National Radio Quiet Zone” to protect against undesirable radiation.

Since then, the inevitable inaccessibility by mobile phone has found many fans and the tourism authorities are also promoting the “ultimate digital detox” in the area.

But now the trend towards ubiquitous networking is also becoming increasingly noticeable here.  

Yvonne Wallech loves her internet-less breathing space in Green Bank.

She calls it a "special cleansing" that comes over her when she leaves her home.

There she has a landline internet connection.

But the smartphone remains silent on the road.

This gives her "time to clear her head," says the 59-year-old who runs a gift shop in the remote town of 200 people.

Radio telescope and spy base

Despite its remoteness, Green Bank, around four hours' drive from the capital, Washington, between hills and dense forests, has achieved international fame. The main reason for this is the town's observatory. In order not to disturb the observatory with its radio telescope, Green Bank is part of the 34,000 square kilometer "National Radio Quiet Zone". This protection zone was established by the US government in 1958, also to protect a nearby espionage facility of the US secret services.

But now - at a time when surveys show that 85 percent of adult US citizens use a smartphone and almost a third say they are online with almost no interruption - Green Bank is also changing.

According to the locals, WiFi is now widespread, although theoretically, fines of $ 50 are possible for violating radiation standards.

"You listen to other people"

On the other hand, the specialty of the place still has a lot of fans.

"In a world where we can't walk for two minutes without the beeping or buzzing of tech, this is where all of this can be gotten away," enthuses West Virginia's tourism officer, Chelsea Ruby.

Nancy Showalter, who traveled to Green Bank as a tourist from the state of Indiana and visits the observatory, says she was initially surprised when she found out the reason why her cell phone was out of service.

But she quickly appreciated the radio silence: “You listen to other people,” says the 78-year-old.

"That is wonderful.

I think more people should do that. "

But there are also critical voices.

The lack of network coverage is dangerous, argues Patrick Coleman, who lives in Green Bank and runs a bed and breakfast there.

The people here are "being denied a safety net," he says. 

For example, a car accident in a remote area can quickly become a serious problem if no one can call for help.

In addition, mobile communications are already available in the nearby Snowshoe ski resort, which is a tourist magnet in the winter months and has caused property prices in the area to rise well above the national development in recent years, says Coleman.

Ned Dougherty only recently moved to Green Bank.

“I came hoping for a place without WiFi,” says the 38-year-old teacher.

“Everyone wishes that this is the Shangri-La of silence,” he adds, referring to the mythical Lost Paradise in Tibet, which is synonymous with complete harmony.  

However, says Dougherty, it is ultimately in their own hands.

“I don't have to use my phone no matter where I live,” he says.

“If I want to switch off, I have to do it myself.

And I think we all know we should. "