Reliable communication links between the military and First Responders

Emergency incident ldquofirst responderrdquo within, and collaborating with, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) need reliable communications capabilities providing assured access over a trusted network. The coverage area for these users stretches from Hawaii and Alaska to Maine, often in diverse terrain where the telecommunications infrastructure is either inoperable or non-existent. They need durable radios that are interoperable with other Federal agencies such as the Coast Guard and Department of Defense Reserves. This paper discusses a solution which fully meets their reliable link goals in a secure and cost effective manner through leveraged use of the mobile user objective system (MUOS). The benefits are unparalleled - no up-front or long-term leasing costs, high bandwidth, mobility, NSA-approved protection, secure gateways, worldwide coverage and a fully financed program. Finally, the paper discusses policy implications regarding capacity provisioning and usage.