What is a primary characteristic of UHF communication systems?

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) communication systems are characterized by their ability to penetrate through obstacles such as buildings and foliage effectively. This capability is primarily due to the shorter wavelengths of UHF signals compared to lower frequency bands. As a result, UHF communication can maintain better signal integrity and clarity in urban environments or heavily forested areas, making it a preferred choice for tactical communication, especially in military and emergency response scenarios.

The other characteristics listed do not align with UHF communication's primary strengths. For instance, long-range communication is often associated with lower frequency bands, which can travel further in open spaces. Low bandwidth usage is not a specific feature of UHF, as these systems can support a variety of data rates, often higher than lower frequency bands. Lastly, high signal loss over distance is contrary to the effective communication capability that UHF systems offer when penetrating environments with obstacles.