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Failure of Intelsat SatelliteThe vulnerability of even the most sophisticated electronic communications equipment, and hence the value of amateur radio as a potential backup was demonstrated again. For apparently unknown reasons Intersat’s Satellite 804, serving the South Pacific, shut down without any prior warning. It is speculated that perhaps it was struck by meteorite material or perhaps outer space debris. The satellite’s footprint covers a large slice of the South Pacific Ocean including parts of New Zealand. All of a sudden these vulnerable areas, all at risk of volcanic activity and other natural and manmade disasters, were without important telephone and digital communication support and television. Intelsat took frantic measures to restore service but just as fast radio amateurs were working on providing back up support. A radio amateur in Vanuatu writes: “we are still recovering from the loss of an Intelsat satellite which ceased to function unexpectedly on Sat 15th Jan. (Meteorite strike?) This cut ALL international communications from Vanuatu, and many other Pacific island countries except New Caledonia and Fiji who also have international cable connection. HF was the only means of international communication for 4 days from Vanuatu. I was about to activate an emergency net using voice from here when the local Telco started to get alternate satellite transponder space to resume services.” Another ham writes about the possible overcrowding of satellite systems during emergencies: “Anyway what they (the satellite communication providers) fail to mention is that once you get a big pile of news reporters, U.N. government officials, the military, charity organizations (to an extent, other sailors, and other users in the area that were not affected, etc trying to access one bird be it the Pacific Ocean Bird or the Indian Ocean bird there is only so much bandwidth available. You would be lucky to get a voice grade channel let alone the 2400 baud most satellite systems offer.” Intelsat recognized the problem when it reported: “There are still a few smaller, isolated island communities from whom we have not received any kind of communication since the incident. This may be occurring because -- absent their satellite connection -- they have no means of communicating with our operations center. If you are aware of, or in contact with, any communities that fit this description, please contact Intelsat immediately, so we can find another means of getting repointing/new frequency information to them as quickly as possible.” It all goes to show that while all are grateful for Satellite communications, the need for amateur radio, and particularly digital communications – as provided by Winlink, can play an important backup role. AussieWinlink has in progress discussions with amateur radio organizations in IARU Region 3 (International Amateur Radio Union) with the objective of improving the Winlink digital amateur radio communication within and around the Pacific Rim countries.
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