Interoperable Voice Communications : Test and Selection of STANAG 4591

This paper describes the evaluation, test and selection of STANAG 4591, the future NATO Narrow Band Voice Coder (NBVC). STANAG 4591 will enable high performance interoperable secure speech communications in harsh acoustic and channel error environments at rates of 1.2kbps and 2.4kbps. The low data rate requirements of this voice coder allow it to operate on channels with low throughput, such as wireless mobile networks. However, applying low rate voice coding to channels carrying mixed voice and data traffic allows increased capacity for data. This voice coder will enhance the quality and intelligibility of voice communications to NATO commanders in the field.