Canadian Satellite Malfunction Disrupts Air Traffic

Artist's conception of the Telsat Anik F2 (Credits: Boeing).

A malfuction of the Telsat Anik F2 on October 6, 2011, left thousands of people in northern Canada without communications services, such as lond/distance calling, cell phone, internet DSL and ATM services. The disruption in communication also grounded 48 ariflights, leaving about a thousand people on the ground. According to Telsat officials, the malfunction began at 6:36 a.m. EDT (1036 GMT), whit an unspecified “technical anomaly.” The glitch affected satellite-served communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut territory, according to Canadian communications provider Northwestel. “Telesat is in control of the satellite and all indications are that it is healthy and can be returned to service,” said Telesat in a press release, “Telesat is now undertaking to return the satellite to normal operations and is working with its customers on Anik F2 to restore traffic in an orderly manner and minimize the impact to their networks.