Service Outage Update: Services have been restored as of 10:38 (MDT) UPDATE!! As of 10:38 (MDT) we have been notified that services have been fully restored. A more detailed update will be provided tomorrow as we learn more from the Satellite provider. -----------------------------
UPDATE! The latest update from Telesat as of 1:43 (MDT):
They have full control of the satellite and it is in good health and responding to commands. Work to restore service to customers is underway. Telesat currently estimates that all services will be restored between 20:00 and 22:00 EDT." They will provide us with another update at this time and we will update this page to reflect the new status! ----------------------------
To our valued customers. Although many of you will not receive this notice until services are restored, we feel it important that we do everything we can to share this information in hopes that people traveling into the communities or the few that do have alternative communication can update you.
Today at approximately 06:36 EDT Telesat's Anik F2 satellite experienced a technical anomaly that resulted in loss of satellite services to its customers. Telesat is in control of the satellite and all indications are that it is healthy and can be returned to service. 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.
Best estimates are satellite down time of 12 -16 hours.
All networks and services in Canada and the US that rely on F2 are down, and that includes every satellite served community in Northern Canada. So you know we are monitoring the situation closely. The disaster recovery plan, in the unlikely event that it is required to be implemented, involves physically re-pointing earth stations to the alternative satellite (Anik F3). This activity would take some time to complete.
There is presently no voice, data, health, etc. communications coming in and out of the affected communities except by way of hand held satellite phones. Flights and other services have been reported to be delayed also.
We will continue to publish updates on this situation until services have been restored. Any question you may have can be directed to our head office at 867-669-7500.
The latest status report from Telesat, received as of 2:00 pm EDT, is as follows:
OTTAWA, CANADA, October 6, 2011 - Today at approximately 06:36 EDT Telesat's Anik F2 satellite experienced a technical anomaly that resulted in loss of satellite services to its customers. Telesat is in control of the satellite and all indications are that it is healthy and can be returned to service. 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. Anik F2 supports a variety of services in Canada and the United States, all of which are affected by the satellite anomaly.