The role for commercial geostationary satellites in delivering military services

Abstract

This paper outlines the key drivers compelling military users to use commercial services generally and geostationary satellite communications in particular. While the military have unique requirements, by understanding the underlying military drivers and trends it in the commercial world, it is clear where commercial satellites are most appropriate. There are roles for all types of communications but geostationary satellites offer a number of particular advantages. In view of the maturity of this market and the need for flexibility within tight military budgets, we foresee the established satellite providers like INTELSAT and INMARSAT increasingly being employed to meet the military's less critical services. To illustrate these points a number of current examples are presented. The first shows how BT, a major commercial service provider, has risen to the challenge to meet specific military needs. The second explains how the US Department of Defense has incorporated a commercial managed bandwidth service as an integral part of its military communications infrastructure. We anticipate this trend will continue and we expect the military to make use of the new broadband satellite systems, such ASTROLINK, as and when they become operational.