'http://www.globetechnology.com/gam/Y2K/19990305/UCELLN.html
Feds buy satellite phones for use in Y2K emergency
Friday, March 5, 1999
Canadian Press
Here are a few paragraphs from the story:
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Ottawa -- The federal government is stocking up on satellite-based
telephones as part of a backup plan against Year 2000-related
disruptions in the public telephone system.
Officials at Public Works Canada say they have purchased at least 200 of
the phones for various government departments planning for Y2K, such as
National Defence and the RCMP.
Iridium or MSAT phones sell for about $5,000 apiece, excluding air time.
Dozens of other phones have also been bought directly by the departments
themselves. Foreign Affairs has reserved channels on the INMARSAT system
starting Dec. 20, at a cost of $1.1-million.
"It will provide an insurance policy to virtually all Canadian missions
and consuls abroad and Canadians travelling abroad," said spokeswoman
Valerie Noftle.
Al Kingan, director of mobile satellite services at Public Works, says
the purchases shouldn't be seen as an indication the government expects
the phone system to fail.
"The consensus right now is that, having done a very exhaustive
evaluation of the telecom facilities, that there will probably be only
minor interruptions," he said. "It may be in a critical point, you don't
know where it's going to happen. You can't afford to take a chance."
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Please note the use of the phrases "insurance policy" and "you can't
afford to take a chance".
Jo Anne |
