How does a speech processor affect a single sideband phone signal?

A speech processor (or speech compressor) works by compressing the dynamic range of an audio signal. Human speech naturally has sharp peaks and low valleys. By reducing the volume of the loudest peaks and amplifying the quieter parts, the overall average power of the transmitted single sideband (SSB) signal is increased without exceeding the transmitter's maximum capabilities. This increased average power makes your signal sound louder and punchier, significantly improving readability under poor band conditions or heavy noise. The distractor 'increases peak power' is incorrect because the peak envelope power (PEP) is a hard limit set by the transmitter's design and operating regulations. It also does not reduce distortion; in fact, over-processing can introduce distortion.