This document was prepared by the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), an association of organizations engaged in the delivery of advanced digital fixed satellite services via Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide. The term “VSAT” refers to fixed small-aperture terminals that provide interactive or receive-only telecommunications to an end-user premises via either geostationary or non-geostationary satellites. Headquartered in London, the GVF is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization with 69 members. The broad-based membership represents every major world region and every sector of the satellite industry, including satellite operators, VSAT network operators, VSAT manufacturers, system integrators, value added and enhanced service providers, telecom carriers, and users. The Regulatory Working Group (RWG) of the GVF brings together regulatory experts from across the globe to share first-hand experience with international VSAT regulatory and licensing policies (Annex A: GVF and RWG Membership). On behalf of the GVF, the RWG has analyzed and compared a wide variety of regulatory frameworks, legal structures and licensing procedures to arrive at this recommendation of the most effective and proven approaches for the benefit of regulatory administrations, industry and the end-user community.

This document consists of the following:

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• • The International VSAT Policy Declaration, stating the key priorities and regulatory principles advocated by the GVF.
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• • Section I addresses the essential role VSATs play in fulfilling telecommunication needs and calls attention to the link between telecom connectivity and economic strength.
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• • Section II identifies regulatory barriers that slow or prevent effective provision of VSAT-based services and establishes corresponding regulatory solutions.
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• • Section III introduces a VSAT licensing guideline and offers ongoing support for regulatory programs that seek to facilitate the provision of VSAT-based telecommunication solutions.