TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE REQUEST (TSR) When a command requires additions, deletions, or changes in existing Defense Communications System (DCS) circuits, it must initiate a TSR. The submission of a TSR is not a simple process and requires research and  planning.  The  Defense  Information  Systems Agency   (DISA)   publishes   a   publication   called Submission of Telecommunications Service Request, DISA   CIRCULAR   310-130-1,   that   provides instructions for preparing and submitting TSRs. New, increased, or updated services are expensive and require substantial justification. The increasingly high cost of telecommunications support, especially leased services, has resulted in the high  visibility  of  communications  programs  at  all  levels of government. This fact underscores the need for managerial   awareness   and   improved   life   cycle documentation of telecommunications resources. Planning  and  developing  a  responsive  naval telecommunications   system   requires   early identification and consideration of user requirements. Programming  is  required  to  obtain  necessary  resources. Normally, these requirements should be defined and submitted at least 2 years in advance to permit timely system planning and programming. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ORDER (TSO) The TSO is the authorization to start, change, or discontinue circuits, trunks, links, or systems. It is used to  amend  previously  issued  TSOs  and  to  effect administrative changes. The basic circuit design information for all new or changed circuits will be provided by the TSO. The TSO may also be used as the authority to procure specific devices  and  ancillary  equipment  necessary  to  install  the circuit or services designated. FREQUENCY  MANAGEMENT Over  the  last  quarter  century,  electronics  has pervaded virtually every facet of our life. High-tech electronic devices, especially those that radiate, make constant use of the electromagnetic spectrum. The term “electromagnetic spectrum” refers to the natural vibrations that occur when a force is applied to a  substance.  These  vibrations  occur  with  various speeds and intensities. The speed at which they occur is called frequency, and the distance between each vibration   is   called   wavelength.   Frequency   and wavelengths are discussed in a later module. Spectrum  Management A great invention in the 19th century ultimately led to the need for spectrum, or frequency, management. This invention was the wireless or, as we know it today, the   radio.   At   first,   there   were   only   two   radio frequencies—50  kilohertz  (kHz)  and  1000  kHz.  Today, the spectrum is recognized by international treaty to extend up to 3000 gigahertz (GHz). The development of radar, satellites, and other technologically advanced systems and their subsequent demands on the frequency spectrum have contributed to the need for frequency management. Frequency   Allocation The Department of the Navy will obligate no funds for  equipment  until  a  frequency  allocation  has  been obtained. This means that all actions necessary to establish a frequency band for a specific item must be completed and approved prior to budgeting funds. The  allocation  approval  authority  considers  the type   of   service   the   item   will   provide   and   the classification of the emission. This authority also enforces  rules  and  regulations  and  compliance  with technical  standards.  The  approval  authority  also ensures the compatibility of emerging equipment with other  equipment  operating  in  the  same  electromagnetic environment. Interservice frequency coordination is another important  consideration.  It  reduces  the  potential  for harmful inteference if more than one service develops similar items that will operate in the same band. The coordination is the responsibility of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), working through the United States Military   Communications   Electronics   Board (USMCEB). Frequency Assignment Frequency  assignment  is  the  process  of  authorizing a  system  or  equipment  to  operate  on  a  discrete frequency (or frequencies) and within a specified set of constraints.  Examples  of  constraints  are  power, emission   bandwidth,   location   of   antennas,   and operating  time. Authority for using radio frequencies by Navy and Marine Corps activities within the United States and 2-29