Thousands of people lost contact due to a satellite incident

Canadian media reported that (October 6, 2011), a satellite incident occurred, affecting thousands of people in rural areas of northern Canada and dozens of flights due to the loss of communication services.

That is the incident Anik F2 satellite . According to Telesat Ottawa Canada satellite executives, the incident began at 6:36 am (1036 GMT), when Anik F2 communications satellite suffered a technical problem.

Thousands of people lost contact due to technical problems with Anik F2 satellite (Photo: space)

The incident has affected the provision of stray information of communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut territories, according to Northwestel Canada, a communications provider. Telesat is controlling the satellite to bring it back to normal operation.

There are currently 39 residential communities dependent on Anik F2 satellite communication service. According to the AP, 1,000 people were stranded when 48 flights were canceled by airlines due to satellite problems. According to Canada's CBC Radio, regional residents affected the loss of long-distance calling, mobile phones and ATM services. Some DSL Internet services and cable channels are also disconnected.

Anik F2 satellite was launched in 2004, weighs about 12,118 pounds (5,950 kg) and is equipped with 32 Ku receivers, 38 Ka re-signaling systems and 24 C transponders. It is designed to provide high-speed Internet and digital communications to users across Canada and the United States.

'Anik F2 supports a range of services in Canada and the United States, all of which are affected by unusual satellite incidents , ' Telesat said.

This satellite is designed to operate for about 15 years. Anik's name means 'little brother' in the Inuit language. Satellite is currently one of 12 satellites managed by Canada's Telesat Ottawa satellite operator.