(Abstract) International Satellite Communications System (ISCS)

The ISCS is a satellite data collection and distribution system operated by the United States National Weather Service (NWS) providing support to (1) the World Area Forecast System (WAFS) and (2) the Region IV Meteorological Telecommunications Network (RMTN). The ISCS covers two-thirds of the globe.

ISCS support for WAFS is on behalf of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). ISCS/WAFS purpose is to provide the worldwide aviation community with operational meteorological forecasts and information. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides funding for the WAFS broadcast.

ISCS support for RMTN is part of a cooperative effort between NWS and WMO to improve the Global Telecommunications System (GTS), in WMO Region IV. RMTN allows for a two-way exchange of meteorological information between the United States and nations in the Caribbean and Central America.

James Douglas Walls

Doug Walls is the Program Manager for the International Satellite Communications System (ISCS) and the NOAA Weather Wire Service (NWWS). He has been with the National Weather Service for twenty-six years and currently works for the Office of Operational Systems. With sixteen years experience in managing satellite systems, Doug works with government, commercial, and public users of the respective satellite systems to insure the NWS's mission of the "protection of life and property" is met.