Washington is to issue a request of information on the latest satellite technologies under Wideband Communications Services (WCS) Analysis of Alternatives (AOA) study. Stating that the main goal was to ensure the military's capabilities were up-to-date, an official from the US Air Force emphasized the RFI would be issued “shortly” by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. 

Sixteen partner nations have been invited to participate in the WCS AOA including Canada, Denmark, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia.