Advances in subspace theory have lead to the utilization of more than one level of subspace. Currently there are eight known levels of subspace, labeled Alpha through Theta.
The Alpha “wave” (wave is not necessarily the best term) is the classic level of subspace and continues to be used for general message traffic. An alpha signal takes 1 hour to cross one light year. A beta signal takes half that but is subject to increased distortion of the signal. Gamma signal takes half as much time as beta but again is subject to increased distortion.
This distortion is often referred to as subspace static. Despite the presence of “static” on the beta and gamma signal these channels have seen a rise in use because of the quicker transmission rate. Often militaries use them for the increase command and control possibilities. Beyond the gamma signal the message distortion becomes impossible for even the best filter programs to sort out.
Other levels of subspace were theorized before they were discovered. Originally it was assumed they were unusable due to the static in the signal. That was until a vursk graduate student named St’Nil at the University of Zebulon discovered a way to use the static to transmit a code much like ancient Morse code. The current code is now referred to as Nil code and it works on the next three levels of subspace; Delta, Epsilon and Zeta.
Currently it is impossible to broadcast on the Eta and Theta levels though scientists continue to search for a way.
By law the Zeta level is reserved for military use in the Clarion system and other systems are following in suit. Most financial institutions have co-opted the Delta level. Since each successive level has half the transmission time of the previous the transmission time on the Zeta level is 1.9 minutes. This gives the military near real time data, even if the message is in Nil code.
All of the least-time approaches from other planets into the Clarion system are now monitored by stealthed sensor platforms with subspace transmitters. Since the energy bleed from a ship leaving void space is quite noticeable to energy sensors the Royal Marines can maintain a close to accurate account of the number of ships arriving in system. The sensor platforms don’t cover the entire system but they do allow the Royal Marines investigate many more ships than they could otherwise.
SOP is for alert messages to go out by code and be followed up by voice and video over the Gamma level.