how is the standards of comms internationally?
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The GSM network will be down in wartime...as stated above, the comm and power grid will be knock out. that will be the first step.Originally posted by freeman8:Hey,
Now not only GSM, we have 3G technology. Can have video conferencing between commanders. If we are fighting in Singapore, no problem why can't we use GSM? It is own by SingTel. Who dare to off it? Coverage up to 99% But if we want fight in the North, before the fight Singtel/M1/Starhub might want to consider buying over Celcom.
I am not surprise during exercises, especially durinf reservist, everyone comms with GSM (Primary), Other radio (secondary)...Am I right? ASk the NS guys...
If your ops is GSM dependent, it will be crippled. so it is better to use radio sets. GSM can be a backup or enhancement if it is still available.
As to whether it can be intercepted.... come on.... there will be so many channels with both CIVILIAN and military traffic... i can't see what a potential enemy can make head or tail of what we are saying onto the phone... -
That's why I said we can't really depend on GSM during wartime. If and when the enemy is stupid enough to mess around with us, one of the first things they'll do is try to knock out our communications to contribute to the chaos. Think about it - most of us get silent mob thru GSM and landlines. Without those two, mobilization will be much more difficult to put into place.Originally posted by spencer99:The GSM network will be down in wartime...as stated above, the comm and power grid will be knock out. that will be the first step.
If your ops is GSM dependent, it will be crippled. so it is better to use radio sets. GSM can be a backup or enhancement if it is still available.
As to whether it can be intercepted.... come on.... there will be so many channels with both CIVILIAN and military traffic... i can't see what a potential enemy can make head or tail of what we are saying onto the phone...
Those this may sound a bit dumb, but Star Wars Episode I highlighted this strategy. The Trade Federation knocked out Naboo's communications prior to invading the planet. -
That is why there is open mob mah... where they use the mass media... if u have a portable battery operated radio. also can rec message on the open mob.Originally posted by fudgester:That's why I said we can't really depend on GSM during wartime. If and when the enemy is stupid enough to mess around with us, one of the first things they'll do is try to knock out our communications to contribute to the chaos. Think about it - most of us get silent mob thru GSM and landlines. Without those two, mobilization will be much more difficult to put into place.
Those this may sound a bit dumb, but Star Wars Episode I highlighted this strategy. The Trade Federation knocked out Naboo's communications prior to invading the planet. -
Use of GSM was openly discussed at many exercise debriefs during reservist. The conclusion by various people, senior and junior , and from reservists who are telecomms civilian experts ..... GSM can only be relied on during limited war scenarios, but in an "all-out" war, you can bet that the network will be shut-down or targeted by eaves-dropping devices. So the network is not secure and robust (which is the terminology used).
From an old bird RSM, he made a good point during a debrief.... he mentioned that stray signals and faulty GSM phones may be a safety hazard. In the Army we have electric detonators and POL dumps.... -
XXX neighbour countries control it? LOL!!! Definitely using a friendly countries satelite for comms like USA! If u say USA is going to turn hostile toward us in near future and shut down the satelite available to us. I suggest we better surrender and throw off our arms than fight with USA!Originally posted by deathscythe99:And who controls the satellites?
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Yeah... actually the GSM discussion during reservist also extended to commercial GPS use. Conclusion, the satellites were mostly controlled by the US. And it is a stated fact by the US government that they will downgrade the signal strength or limit the signal so that it can only be received by allied forces. Hence, don't count on GPS (commercial or military) to be working.
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Key to Comms is security and reliability...having been both a comms spec and worked with Comms related companies in the private sector, I can tell you that in war, you or your commanders can't depend on GSM (for reasons stated) or Satellite comms. Iridium, one of the first and last satellite comms provider died...they burnt up all their LEO satellites when they went bankrupt. The rest of the sat comms are controlled by private companies that reroute your calls...hence no security even if there is reliability. If you think you can depend on those, well, I just have to say your wrong...remember what the Israeli did to those PLO people ...they followed their GSM phone trails and took them out. In short, no security.
Therefore, *if* there is war, all the comms have to be controlled, deployed and within the power of the commanders.
Having said that, i know for a fact that at div levels, comms are always thru down to brigade levels...from Bde levels to actuall Bn and Coy levels, it really is up to how the Sig Officer's planning in those levels. As state by some, there are environmental factors to be taken into considerations i.e. trees, bodies of water...typical scientific stuff ie. absorption of signals, signal strength and there are standard ways to handle that i.e. rebro, etc. ANd as some stated, comms check, equipment checks are SOP to be followed. If you don't follow those and never plan, then it is as good as not doing your drills for section, platoon, coy level movements...you fail. I understand, having been attached to bde and bn levels, the focus is always on the obvious tasks etc...secure this secure that...but they don't pay attention to the signals or comms plans ... unti l it f**up...then start complaining..so whose fault is it? Of course the commanders...since it is their job to ensure all aspects of the plan are done properly.