Satellite Industry Associations in Europe and America Seek to Change the Global Conversation About Satellite
New York City, December 4, 2013 – Coordinating an alliance of the world’s leading industry trade associations, the Society of Satellite Professionals International announced the launch of a global campaign to change the global conversation about satellite. Called the Industry Message Summit, the effort aims to focus attention on the industry’s striking contributions to human welfare, safety and prosperity around the world.
The alliance of industry associations, including the European Satellite Operators’ Association (Brussels), Global VSAT Forum (London) and Satellite Industry Association (Washington, DC), will drive the rebuilding of the “satellite brand” in support of the industry’s growth.
“This alliance has set a big goal: to refresh the image of one of the world’s most essential technologies, which has such profound impact at the human level,” said SSPI executive director Robert Bell, adding that the project will have both a short-term and long-term impact. “In the short term, we plan to make a contribution in the run-up to the WRC 2015 negotiations regarding spectrum allocations. Longer term, our priority is to change how we, as a global industry, view ourselves and collectively determine how to communicate our vitality and economic and social significance to those who benefit from it.”
During the past half-century, the satellite industry – once recognized by the words “Live via satellite” on every TV screen – has become almost invisible, except to its global base of current customers. While the world’s TV programming, business information, scientific data, weather information, safety, security and humanitarian traffic crosses the world’s satellite network, the contribution of that network to business, government and human welfare is unrecognized. Only in natural disaster, such as the Philippine typhoon, or in support of war does the word “satellite” appear relevant to the general media.
The associations believe that this lack of recognition among consumers, business people and government leaders has had tangible – and negative - impact. Satellite operators battle to maintain their spectrum against a mobile industry which is known to every person with a phone. As a result, there are missed opportunities to help governments extend broadband coverage and improve education and healthcare. “From a business perspective, many of the new markets we serve perceive satellite as the last resort for communications,” Bell noted. “We are not that – but if you do not know about us or understand our strength, you will look elsewhere.”
The leaders of the associations in the alliance – Aarti Holla-Maini of ESOA, David Hartshorn of GVF, Patricia Cooper of SIA and Robert Bell of SSPI – will meet regularly to forge a joint communications strategy and engage the industry’s most creative minds in crafting effective messages about the transformative impact of satellite on the world. They will work with their member companies, other associations and influencers to deliver this content to business, government and broader audiences. SSPI expects more associations to join the effort over time and encourages their interest.
Message Summit Founding Associations
The Society of Satellite Professionals International promotes the growth of the satellite industry by educating current and potential end-users and the general public about the indispensable contributions of satellites to business, government and human welfare, and by connecting satellite professionals worldwide through education, knowledge-sharing and fostering professional relationships.
The European Satellite Operators’ Association was formed in March 2002 to represent the interests of the industry with key European organisations, including the European Commission, Parliament, Council and the European Space Agency as well as other international organisations. ESOA's goals include ensuring that satellites benefit from the appropriate political, industrial and regulatory environment to fulfil their vital role in the delivery of communications. ESOA is governed by a Board of Directors, made up of the CEO's of all European satellite operators.
Headquartered in London, with a regional office in Washington DC and global affiliates, the Global VSAT Forum is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organisation with 200+ members from every major region of the world. It brings together organisations engaged in the delivery of advanced broadband and narrowband satellite services to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide.
The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) is a U.S.-based trade association providing worldwide representation of the leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. Since its creation more than eighteen years ago, SIA has advocated for the unified voice of the U.S. satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite business.
