However, interaction between the solar wind and the atmosphere may also lead to a failure of power or communications networks. Observation using the Iridium satellites could help to make these effects could become more predictable. The Iridium satellites are part of a worldwide commercial mobile phone network. Last year, its operating syndicate went bankrupt, and the satellites were originally to be burned up in Earth's atmosphere. Almost at the last minute, the network was taken over by a new company, which has already signed a two-year contract with the US Department of Defense.
Mobile telephony is also soon to become possible again.