Makes me wonder what's the possibility of a star exploding nearby and causing massive comm failure worldwide.
If by expoding star you mean a supernova, there are three likely candidates nearby, astronomically speaking: Betelgeuse in Orion, Antares in Scorpio and Ras Algethi in Hercules. They are 430, 600 and 380 light years away, respectively.
Chances of one of those three becoming a supernova in the near future seem slim.
Someone more knowledgeable than me will have to address the subject of communications disruptions.
The visual effect would be stunning: image a pinpoint of light brighter than the aggregate light of the full moon --but not as bright as the sun.
There is an interesting discussion of supernovae at this web site:
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/supernova/