COM

Shorthand for "Communications", COM is the name for radio communications systems of UNSC units. COM allows instantaneous contact between people, ships and bases. There are any number of COM frequencies for any number of tasks. COM systems are standard equipment in MJOLNIR Armor as well as the armor of Marines and ODSTs, as well as Pelicans, Longswords and larger Starships.

The Covenant equivalent of COM is the Battle Network, or Battlenet.

COM frequencies
FLEETCOM 7: Short for Fleet Command. Public frequency was used around the planet Reach. Broadcasts on FLEETCOM 7 would reach any UNSC military ship in range of the sender.

TEAMCOM: Private communications channel for a small number of military and covenant units, usually a Fireteam.

SQUADCOM: Frequency reserved for use among small units in a specific area. Squadcom has a very small range, it is usually intended to be broadcast by small operations. Usually, radio-communications that take place in Halo: Combat Evolved occur over a SQUADCOM.

TACCOM: Short for Tactical Communication. Frequency reserved for sharing of information between small units on the battlefield. While audio communication is not possible on TACCOM, one team member can upload images, NAV points, and sensor information into the HUD of other members of their team. Similar to SQUADCOM.

SATCOM: Short for Satellite Communication. Frequency reserved for communications with orbiting satellites, sometimes to relay information to orbiting ships, sometimes for communicating with people or units in another section of the planet. Note that COMSat stations must be in orbit in order for SATCOM to be usable.

E-BAND: Emergency broadcast channel. Little-used public frequency. After the fall of Reach, Anton-044 used the E-Band to transmit a signal of Oly Oly Oxen Free. It was also used by the UNSC forces on Onyx to notify Lord Hood's Reinforcements of their position. Used as an emergency COM Channel.

HIGHCOM: This band is used by and to contact the ranking officers of space ships.

Trivia

 * In Halo 3, the Security Helmet Armor Permutation apparently has a COM radio and antenna on your back near the right shoulder, however, it is unusable during the course of gameplay.