Got a couple of bits from the NRC year 2000 list in email today.

blah blah blah, etc etc, then this part:

From: year-2000@nrc.gov To: realaddress@hotmail.com (Plonk) Subject: Re: NRC Y2K Tabletop Exercise Cc: Bcc: X-Attachments:

(snip) >...... >NRC is purchasing satellite phones for all of our nuclear power plant sites as part of our Y2K contingency plan, and many utilities are also investing in upgraded communication systems.

As a result, if a tornado were to destroy the commercial telephone lines into a site as well as our own direct access lines, as it did last summer at Davis Besse, we will still be assured of communications with the site.

These are just a few examples of how the Y2K effort will pay off long after we stand down from staffing our operation centers on New Year's Day.

>......(snip)

If you are purchasing Iridium phones at the fire-sale prices they are now offered at, make sure you test them to be sure you can use them INSIDE the power plant.

Rumor has it,from major newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune, that the phones do not work well INSIDE BUILDINGS.

just a thought.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 1999

Answers

The other problem is that we are supposed to get hit with an awful solar storm, that could destroy a bunch of our satellites. I've read a few articles saying that there is no contingency plan available if the satellites go down. As a matter of fact, I believe it was a NRC rep being interviewed, who was not even aware that this solar storm was coming around the turn of the century.

-- Anonymous, July 16, 1999

One of our clients, with facilities around the globe, evaluated Iridium as a communications alternative to traditional wireline/wireless systems for Y2K business continuity purposes. Their conclusion: Iridium was not a viable alternative (though I don't know the reasons why). However, Iridium is NOT the only provider of satellite-based phone service.

Regards,

-- Anonymous, July 16, 1999

so Peter-

what satellite-based phone system did your client settle on that works inside a building?

-- Anonymous, July 16, 1999

I have heard of this great phone, tho short ranged, has amazing power to work in any building over even several miles.

Anybody remember walky-talkys?

13 year sunspot cycle peak pointed right at earth on hte day we have to do the most electric and magnetic troubleshooting in Earth's history. THAT is Funny.

-- Anonymous, July 18, 1999

Unless you want to walk outside, the satellite phones require the installation of an external antenna(this was not a surprise to us). Because of the high frequency and the low power transmitter the distance between the phone and antenna needs to be kept as short as possible. This will dictate the use of very low loss coax (hardline). Our region made a group purchase to insure compatibility between control areas.

Jim

-- Anonymous, July 29, 1999