The Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications has gained full membership of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA), a platform to promote satellite communication services and the common interests of satellite operators.  The Association, formerly known as ESOA (EMEA Satellite Operators Association) used to focus on Europe, the Middle East and Africa. However, January 2022 saw the expansion of the geography of the Association’s activities, which was announced as a move to bring together new members among satellite operators from across the world. This is how ESOA transformed from a regional structure into a global one.

By bringing together national, regional and international satellite operators, GSOA represents the interests of the satellite community, advances industry interests, and advocates positions on key global platforms, in bodies and agencies in charge of regulation, standardization and development of future telecom networks. Leading policymakers and international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as well as other major global economy and ICT players, including the World Economic Forum, etc., recognize the Association as the representative body for satellite operators. As a part of its activities within the global telecoms industry, GSOA works closely with all relevant organizations to ensure a seamless integration of satellite communications into the next-gen networks and future ICT environment. GSOA’s mission is also to encourage the use of satellite communications for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as contribute to space sustainability.

As Intersputnik’s activities are based on similar goals, the opportunity to work closer with GSOA is perfectly consistent with Intersputnik’s new strategy approved in 2021. GSOA membership and the international status of Intersputnik, will support the implementation of Intersputnik’s satellite communication projects, in various regions of the world and increase the sustainability of space activities.

“Intersputnik sees its main mission in promoting satellite technologies as a vehicle for improving the quality of life for people, bridging the digital divide and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We share the core values of GSOA, the goals set by the Association and its guiding principles. As an international organization uniting 26 countries and a holder of ITU Golden Member status, we are poised to contribute to the implementation of GSOA initiatives that respond to the most pressing challenges of today,” said Ksenia Drozdova, Director General of Intersputnik. “It is particularly emblematic that Intersputnik joining GSOA coincided with the Association’s move to the global level. We are absolutely confident that satellite communications as an integral part of the global ICT system are a powerful tool for addressing humanitarian, social, and commercial issues.”

Aarti Holla-Maini, GSOA Secretary General, commented on Intersputnik’s recent membership by saying “It is a critical moment for the industry and collaboration between operators will be key to advance global connectivity goals. GSOA is a step forward that will strengthen the role of satellite operators to speak as one in the digital ecosystem. Intersputnik’s membership will bring added value to the Association’s work and provides a platform for engagement with a broad community of countries.”

Besides Intersputnik, GSOA unites the following operators from different world regions: Airbus Defence and Space, Amazon Kuiper, Amos Spacecom, APT Satellite, Arabsat, Arianespace, Arsat, Astroscale, Avanti, Azercosmos, Echostar-Hughes, HellasSat, Hispasat, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Lockheed Martin, Mansat, Nigcomsat, Nilesat, Omnispace, OneWeb, Rascomstar, SES, SSI-Monaco, ST Engineering iDirect, Star One, Telenor, Telesat, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, Thuraya, Turksat, Viasat, and Yahsat.

About Global Satellite Operators Association

GSOA is the global platform for collaboration between satellite operators. As the world’s only CEO-driven satellite association, GSOA leads the sector’s response to global challenges and opportunities. It offers a unified voice for the world’s largest operators, important regional operators and other companies that engage in satellite-related activities. GSOA is recognised as the representative body for satellite operators by international, regional, and national bodies including regulators, policymakers, standards-setting organisations such as 3GPP and international organisations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In order to make full use of satellite communications, governments need to understand how satellite services can contribute to their policy objectives and how to regulate and deploy them. GSOA works through its leadership and expert working groups to foster this understanding. By engaging with governments, regulators, regional and other bodies, GSOA’s work contributes to achieving favourable political, regulatory and industrial frameworks that allow satellite communication services to play their rightful role in connecting the world.