[Satellite TODAY 03-15-11] The U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Center signed a follow-on task order with an Iridium Communications subsidiary to implement Phase 3 of the Navy’s Distributed Tactical Communications System (DTCS) program, Iridium announced March 14.
    The task order investment is valued at $13.4 million and will see Iridium develop enhancements to the overall DTCS infrastructure, including the implementation of theater-wide or global reach nets, higher capacity and improved quality of service. The investment also enables Iridium to develop prototype next-generation user equipment.
    DTCS handheld push-to-talk radios use the Netted Iridium satellite network to provide over-the-horizon, beyond line-of-sight tactical networks for warfighters on the move. The U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) also deploys DTCS radios through its enhanced MSS program management office.