EMSS is a satellite-based Personal Communications System (PCS), utilizing a commercial satellite infrastructure to provide voice and low data rate data services from a mobile, lightweight terminal through a Department of Defense (DoD) dedicated gateway which accesses the Defense Information System Network (DISN). It is capable of providing secure service and non-secure access to commercial telephone services.

Modifications to the commercial system enable DoD to offer unique features such as end-to-end Type-1 voice encryption and protection of sensitive user information. DoD has established a dedicated Government EMSS gateway providing remote access to the Defense Switched Network (DSN), FTS-2001, Commercial Long Distance, Commercial International Long Distance and the DISN.

EMSS features include:

• Global Coverage – Polar Regions (90 N/ 90 S), Ocean Areas (no gaps), Airborne Service, Secure Global handheld Communications
• Encryption – End-to-end, Type 1 Voice and Non-Secure Data capability
• Signaling – Protection of sensitive user information
• Access – US Government Control, Denial of Service Protection, DSN MLPP Access

EMSS can also provide the following special features: Broadcast Service, Protected Paging, Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) Connectivity, Short Burst Messaging, Conference Calling and Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) Connectivity (2003).

The commercially available Iridium 9505 terminal will support secure communications by adding a removable National Security Agency (NSA) approved Type I Communications Security (COMSEC) sleeve which fits onto the user terminal.

EMSS is available as a service offering through DISA to DoD, other Federal departments and agencies, state and local governments, and Joint Staff approved foreign and allied government users.

For more information on EMSS Ordering of Equipment & Services, go to one of the following web sites:

• DISA DIRECT - https://www.ditco.disa.mil/products/asp/NonDOD_EMSS_info.asp
• DISA Direct Order Entry (DDOE) System for web-entry “SMART TR” - http://www.ditco.disa.mil/products/asp/welcome.asp
• IRIDIUM - http://www.iridium.com/

Customers can also call the Program Management Office (PMO) Customer Service at (703) 607-4888/ DSN 327, the DISN Service Center (DSC) at (618) 229-8856/ DSN 779 or the Help Desk Support General Dynamics Customer Care Center at (877) 449-0601/ DSN 282.