Satellite Phone Security From Globalstar

Following are some short paragraphs which describe the security of over-the-air communications when using Globalstar. Please feel free to contact us if you need any more information.

Some customers have inquired about the security of the Globalstar signal while they travel. The CDMA signal technology used by the Globalstar system was originally developed for the U.S. military. The CDMA signal technology is one of the most security signals available to the general public.

The questions and answers below should put any fears at rest.

QUESTION: What technical features make the interception of a Globalstar call difficult? What about the level of security during a handover?

ANSWER: Globalstar is a commercial system which has been based on the robustness of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), an implementation of direct sequence spread spectrum techniques based on the IS-95 terrestrial cellular protocol. Voice and data communications use special codes to spread the low rate communications over a 1.23 MHz frequency band. In order to receive this information, the receiver must be time synchronized with the transmitter and must know which codes to use to "de-spread" the communications. Intercepting this data is considered to be extremely difficult, not only because the data is spread using an unknown code, but also because the power level of the call is very low,
comparable with the level of ambient electro-magnetic noise and is embedded in other calls sharing the same frequency channel (typically 30-40 calls). These Low-Probability-of-Intercept (LPI) features which are inherent with the CDMA waveform provide over-the-air security between the User Terminal and the Gateway.

Handoffs are handled with the same security as any signaling channel function - call set-up, authentication, traffic circuit CDMA code assignment, etc. The signaling data about the user is encrypted - ID and dialed digits, etc. - so that the true identity or activity of the user is not divulged over the air.

Since Globalstar supports data communications, it is feasible for subscribers requiring additional guaranteed privacy to make use of external encryption devices to protect the end-to-end communications.

QUESTION: What end-to-end encryption products are available to be used with Globalstar?

ANSWER: End-to-End encryption devices utilize a data connection. CopyTele supplies commercial encryption products for Globalstar. These products are based on the Harris Citadel chip and are available commercially to any consumer.

QUESTION: Is it possible to conduct AES or military encryption over Globalstar?

ANSWER: AES commercial 256-bit encryption is provided by the General Dynamics SWT BDI.

QUESTION: Are any Type-1 encryption interfaces available for use over Globalstar?

ANSWER: Type-1 data encryption is available via the Mykotronx KIV-7.

Type-1 voice encryption is available on the General Dynamics SWT BDI and is in the process of being approved.

There is a 3rd party Globalstar picocell product which supports GSM Sectera phones with Type 1 encryption. This allows GSM Sectera phones to communicate with each other in the picocell, and also provides the ability for any GSM Sectera phone to set up an encrypted connection with any phone throughout the world.