PCS for tactical applications

Commercial Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems are evolving rapidly using the technology base established for current cellular systems and the emerging digital cellular systems. The PCS systems under development based on Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites promise to provide worldwide connectivity. The mobile stations will be dual mode, with interconnectivity to the land-based PCS network where available, while accessing the LEO-based system in cases where the land-based infrastructure is unavailable. This combination promises to provide a cost-effective solution to meeting worldwide connectivity requirements. Ubiquity and mobility are key aspects of commercial PCS that are particularly attractive to the military. Also, PCS systems using digital spread spectrum technology can provide the military with performance in the areas of security and Low Probability of Intercept (LPI). Given that current policy is advocating the use of commercial equipment and systems, DOD contractors should use commercial off-the-shelf equipment and systems as much as possible. The Mobile Subscriber Equipment (MSE) provided by GTE represents a large investment by the Army in tactical communications. Preservation of this investment through the use of judicious product improvement in times of stringent military budgets is of utmost importance. Providing “wireless” (PCS) access to MSE will enhance its performance and warfighting capability