Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)

: Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS), previously reported as Wideband Gap filler Satellites, is a constellation of the Department of Defense's highest capacity communication satellites. WGS augments the Defense Satellite Communications System III and the Global Broadcast Service Phase II. WGS is a fully duplexed communications platform offering warfighters a significant increase in capacity, connectivity and interoperability. It provides high capacity and digitally channelized service at both X and Ka frequency bands, opening up a new 2-way Ka communication capability. This highly flexible communications satellite design leverages commercial processes, practices and technology to provide a wideband payload compatible with existing and future terminals. WGS provides an order of magnitude increase in communications bandwidth to our infrastructure users, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.The WGS program has two International Partnerships. In exchange for access to a portion of the WGS constellation, Australia is providing funds for WGS-6 while Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States are providing funds for WGS-9.