The Defence Mobile Communications Network (DMCN), will enable personnel in the Australian armed forces to communicate operational and administrative information throughout Australia and out to sea.

In addition to providing secure digital voice, data and fax communications by satellite, the DMCN will link into the Australian Department of Defence terrestrial networks.

Twenty CSC systems, software and hardware engineers will carry out the development and support, worth approximately $6 million ($10 million AUD), in the company's offices in Adelaide.

The new DMCN, like the interim version delivered in 1996, is based on the MobileSat telecommunications system developed over the last eight years by CSC, NEC Australia and Optus Communications.

MobileSat, the world's first commercial mobile satellite communications system, was launched in August 1994.

Under a contract with NEC Australia, CSC will enhance existing software by incorporating encryption techniques and upgrade transmission security by enabling the system to automatically change identification information attached to messages.

The Australian Department of Defence will use encryption devices attached to the handsets and within the Australian Defence Secure Network and the Defence National Telephone Environment to enable the transmission of highly sensitive material.

Delivery of the DMCN will be completed by late 2000.

"The DMCN will provide members of the Defence Force with secure digital mobile communications connecting into Defence terrestrial networks from the most remote parts of Australia and around the coastline," said Dave Hoffman, CSC's Manager, Communications Systems. "It will enable the Defence Force to have one of the most advanced secure mobile satellite communications systems in the world based on commercially available technology."