International VSAT Policy Declaration

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.

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.

SkyWAN for the World Bank - a space andn fibre solution linking East and West.

A global composite space and fibre network, with focuses in the US and Australia, is hard at work for the world's largest institution for development assistance - the World Bank Group.

Intelsat and the Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) join forces to fight Aids in Burundi and Burki

The ChallengeIn the information society, equality means equal access to knowledge. This equality is a fundamental condition for a harmonious transition to a global society. In developing countries,access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) helps boost economic growth. ICTs contribute to resolving a number of problems related to underdevelopment, such aseducation, health, nutrition and good governance.Access to ICTs is one of the key objectives identified by the United Nations for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.