SUBSPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

	The speed of propagation of a subspace signal continues to be the 
limiting factor in any long-range communications. Subspace radio signals, 
even those highly focused and radially polarized, will decay over time, as the 
engergies forced across the subspace threshold will tend to ÒsurfaceÓ to 
become normal slower EM. As this decay occurs, enormous amounts of 
information are lost, since the modulated signal does not decay evenly.

	The propagation speed under ideal galactic conditions is equivalent 
to Warp Factor 9.9997. This places subspace radio about sixty times faster 
than the fastest starship, either existing or predicted. The phenomenon, 
which occurs at distances proportional to the peak radiated power of the 
outgoing beam with an upper distance limit of 22.65 light years, has 
necessitated the placement of untended relay booster beacons and small 
numbers of crew-tended communications bases at intervals of twenty light 
years, forming irregular strings of cells along major trade lanes and areas of 
ongoing exploration. Within the Federation, StarfleetÕs subspace 
communications network is supplemented by the FederationÕs civil 
communications system, as well as by various local networks.

	New relay beacons are placed as areas of the galaxy are charted; 
small expendable beacons are carried aboard the Enterprise and other 
starships as temporary devices until permanent units can be placed. Already 
the extended exploration and patrol range of Starfleet vessels is so great 
that over 500 new subspace relays are made operational each year.

	Starfleet is continuing to conduct experiments with higher energy 
levels in an attempt to drive communications signals into ÒdeeperÓ layers of 
subspace, where it is thought the signal will travel farther prior to decay. If 
this is indeed feasible, it may someday be possible to eliminate up to 80% of 
the installed boosters.

	Long-range subspace communications are vital to the continued 
effective operations of starships and their attendant planetside and free-
flying base stations. Federation policy is formulated and carried out based on 
the rapid and accurate conveyance of orders, analyses, opinions, and 
scientific and technical information.  Æ