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The GVF Satellite Policy Guidelines 2009  
This document was prepared by GVF, an association of organisations engaged in the delivery of advanced broadband and narrowband satellite services to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide.  Headquartered in London, GVF is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organisation with 160 members from more than 50 countries.  The broad-based membership represents every major world region and every sector of the satellite industry, including fixed and mobile satellite operators, satellite network operators, teleports, satellite earth station manufacturers, system integrators, value added and enhanced service providers, telecom carriers, consultants, law firms, and users.  GVF provides a unified voice for the global satellite industry. GVF’s Regulatory Working Group (RWG) plays an instrumental role in this by bringing together regulatory experts from across the globe to share first-hand experience with international satellite communications policy and regulation (Appendix A: GVF and RWG Membership). On behalf of GVF, the RWG has analysed and compared a wide variety of policy and regulatory frameworks, legal structures and licensing procedures to arrive at this recommendation of the most effective and proven approaches for the benefit of policy makers, regulatory administrations, industry and the end-user community. This document consists of the following:Section 1 includes the International Satellite Policy Declaration, stating the key priorities and regulatory principles advocated by GVF.Section 2 addresses the essential role satellite communications play in fulfilling national, regional and global policy objectives and, in particular, calls attention to the link between telecom connectivity and economic strength.Section 3 provides a guideline that aims to facilitate administrations’ efforts to develop communications policies that promote access to satellite systems and services. Section 4 examines key regulatory and licensing trends relevant to the satellite communications sector worldwide.Section 5 identifies regulatory barriers that slow or prevent effective provision of satellite-based services and identifies corresponding regulatory solutions.Section 6 offers ongoing support for regulatory programs that seek to facilitate the provision of satellite-based communication solutions.