The more SAT COMs you have out, the more powerful they are is my understating.
Personally, I'm glad it's different because UAVs in MW3 could be annoying. They can be constant with people running Hardline (get one with 2 kills) and it also included in support. I bought Off the Grid because it's constant SAT COMs. I wish it wasn't even in the game, too easy to get and makes players too defensive.