Intersputnik Joins the Global Satellite Operators Association

Moscow, Russia, February 15, 2022--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.

Founded in 1971, Intersputnik is an international intergovernmental organization, which today unites 26 countries. The organization’s mission is to contribute to the strengthening and development of economic, scientific, technical, cultural and other relations by communications, radio and television broadcasting via satellites and to ensure cooperation and coordination of the efforts of the members of the organization in the design, establishment, operation and development of the Intersputnik international satellite telecommunications system.

Intersputnik’s unique status allows the organization to do business based on international cooperation. The organization has access to the resources of most satellite operators across the world and major satellite communications systems, including ABS, Azerspace, Belintersat, Eutelsat, Intelsat, SES, Turkmen Hemrasy, Express, and Yamal. Intersputnik provides users on all continents with the capacity of geostationary and non-geostationary satellites and the whole range of up-to-date satellite telecommunications and broadcasting services including the deployment of corporate and civil government satellite networks, cellular backhaul, broadband Internet access, communications on the move, as well as TV distribution networks in any geographic location. Through its subsidiary Isatel, Intersputnik offers turnkey, end-to-end and managed services encompassing deployment and operation of satellite communications networks, including ground infrastructure.

Owing to its status of an intergovernmental organization, Intersputnik files with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) frequency assignments to satellite networks on various orbits in order to implement projects aimed at establishing satellite communications systems in cooperation with the member countries and signatories of the organization and other partners.

More information on Intersputnik is available at https://intersputnik.int/