Northwestel uses the Anik F2 satellite to service many communities in its operating area. Between October 20 and 25, a different satellite, Galaxy 15, will be passing near the Anik F2 satellite. Galaxy 15 is owned and operated by Intelsat. This is an extremely rare situation and has the potential to cause Long Distance and Data service interruptions for customers in Northwestel’s satellite serviced communities (listed below).

Telesat, the operators of the Anik F2 satellite, and Northwestel are working together to take all possible precautions to avoid any potential impacts for Northwestel customers.

Northwestel is confident that the precautions it is taking will avoid any significant customer impacts. Telesat has worked through this situation before, when Galaxy 15 passed by another one of its satellites, and the preventative measures were successful.

Northwestel has established a task force of technicians and engineers and is taking a number of actions with Telesat to mitigate possible adverse effects from this situation. In addition, Northwestel employees are in communication with key customers such as governments, navigation companies and health and emergency service providers.

Northwestel is working with Emergency Measures Offices to establish appropriate mitigating measures in the event of a service interruption.

 

Yukon (1) - Old Crow

 

BC (2) - Telegraph Creek, Fort Ware

 

NU - all communities

 

NWT (11) -

Trout Lake

Nahanni Butte

Lutselk'e

Gameti

Ekati

Wekweeti

Deline

Colville Lake

Paulatuk

Sachs Harbour

Ulukhaktok

 

Any media inquiries should be directed to:

Sunny Patch

Corporate Communications Manager

Northwestel

(867) 455-4245