Satellite industry organisations to merge

Satellite industry bodies the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) and the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) are to merge.

Isabelle Mauro

The outfits’ respective boards have approved combining both associations, to take effect on June 1.

The move will result in the GSOA becoming a trade association comprised of 70 member companies spanning the entire satellite ecosystem from across the globe.

The GSOA will continue to be led by Isabelle Mauro, current director general. David Meltzer previously announced that he will be leaving the GVF as secretary general after four and a half years.

Mauro said “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.”

Meltzer said: “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.”

GSOA’s chairman, Rajeev Suri said, “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.”