Military Satellite Communications

Potential for Greater Use of Commercial Satellite Capabilities Gao ID: T-NSIAD-92-39 May 22, 1992

GAO testified on the potential for greater use of commercial satellites to satisfy Defense Department (DOD) general-purpose communications needs. DOD expects its requirements for general-purpose satellite communications to increase substantially during the next several years and to exceed the existing and planned capacity of military communication satellite systems. In the past, DOD has leased individual circuits on commercial communication satellites, but this is a costly approach. One alternative DOD is considering involves creating private networks by acquiring and managing commercial communication satellite assets. Other alternatives also need to be analyzed, and DOD intends to hire several contractors to assist in the analyses during the next several months. Until this is done and GAO's review is completed, GAO would caution against DOD making any long-term commitments toward satisfying the expected increased requirements in general-purpose satellite communications.



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