The Canadian Department of National Defense has become the first international partner to provide access to the US Mobile User Target System (MUOS) satellite network, the US Space Force announced on November 30. Developed by the US Navy, MUOS is used to transmit voice, video and data over a narrowband satellite network in geosynchronous orbit (four operational satellites and a spare in orbit). The Navy transferred the system to the Space Force in March 2023.

During a demonstration in October, Canadian operators used MUOS to transmit voice and data using military tactical radios from two locations in Ottawa. Canadian officers used secure military radios to make point-to-point calls, transfer files and access online group chat services.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, MUOS satellites operate in the ultra-high frequency range and use 3G cellular technology to provide digital narrowband signals to mobile forces.

The project to provide Canada with access to the MUOS network began four years ago, when Canada initiated an agreement with the United States to sell military equipment abroad.

The show was described as a success

Thomas Sezer, head of MUOS Integration Lab, said in a press release that Canadian users have demonstrated that they can press and talk and connect from one Canadian radio terminal to another.

“They have successfully managed to offer other services such as chat, file transfer, email, as well as group calls,” he said.

Another demonstration is planned for March 2024, said Scott McKenzie, project manager for Canada’s Department of National Defense.