It’s sun transit time

Northwestel issued a press release this week reminding people that for every day between Oct. 5 and Oct. 18, people in northern communities will see short-lived disruptions in telecommunications.

It’s caused by a phenomenon called “sun transit,” and occurs every spring and fall.

When satellites pass directly between the earth and the sun, natural radio frequencies from the sun overpower signals sent out by satellites.

The disruptions, which will occur for a few minutes every day between now and Oct. 18, affect long distance telephone service, internet and satellite television. Local phone services aren’t affected.