A trade association of 70 member companies spanning the entire satellite ecosystem from across the globe

Brussels, Belgium / London, United Kingdom — The Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) and the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) today announce that their respective Boards have approved combining both associations. The combination taking effect on 1 June 2023 will result in GSOA becoming a trade association comprised of 70 member companies spanning the entire satellite ecosystem from across the globe with unparalleled resources, experience and relationships developed over their combined 48 years of existence, providing a strong single voice for the satellite industry.

GSOA will continue to be led by Ms. Isabelle Mauro, current Director General of GSOA. David Meltzer previously announced that he will be leaving GVF as Secretary General of GVF after four and a half years.

Ms. Mauro commented “I couldn’t be more excited about the great benefits that this next phase will offer to our members at this unprecedented time of growth and innovation of the satellite industry. Leveraging the assets of our combined efforts throughout the Satcom ecosystem and speaking with one strong voice will further enhance the transformative contribution our industry is making to global society and accelerate the positive impact on the global economy and the environment.”

“Combining GVF’s global membership from the space and ground segment and extensive member promotion activities with GSOA’s unparalleled satellite operator membership and advocacy activities will enable the combined organization to bring greater benefits and increased advocacy efforts to our members. I am very pleased to have helped bring about the combination prior to my departure”, said Mr. Meltzer.

GSOA’s Chairman, Rajeev Suri, commented, “The satellite communications sector needs a strong, unified voice and it now has that in GSOA. By joining forces with GVF and a broader satcom ecosystem, we get a step closer to deliver increased connectivity anytime, anywhere and underpin development and economic growth worldwide.”

“It’s been my privilege to have served as Chairman of GVF’s Board for the past 16 years, during which our wide range of members have helped propel major advances across the satellite ecosystem globally. The combination with GSOA is a critical next step in enhancing benefits to our members and strengthening the overall voice of our industry, and I congratulate the leadership of both boards in bringing about this transformative combination”, said GVF’s Chairman, Dr. Arunas Slekys.


NOTES FOR EDITORS

GSOA is the only CEO-driven satellite industry association. It focuses on a core mission of providing a unified voice and a platform for collaboration for satellite operators globally to ensure their continued success and for broadening the opportunities for policymakers and industry players to leverage satellite services to fulfil their objectives. For more details visit GSOA website or contact us directly.

GVF is the sole global non-profit association of the satellite industry with members from the entire ecosystem, GVF has throughout its history brought together organizations from around the world representing operators, manufacturers, service providers, innovators and other parts of the satellite ecosystem that are engaged in the development and delivery of satellite technologies and services for consumers, commercial and government organizations worldwide. GVF facilitates expanded access to satellite-based connectivity solutions, through regulatory, policy and spectrum advocacy; training and certification; product quality assurance; and collaboration with user groups and other satellite stakeholders. For more details visit GVF.org or contact info@gvf.org.