Brussels, Belgium/London, United Kingdom - The Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) and
the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) today announce that their respective Boards have approved combining
both associations. The combination taking effect on 1 June 2023 will result in GSOA becoming a trade
association comprised of 70 member companies spanning the entire satellite ecosystem from across
the globe with unparalleled resources, experience and relationships developed over their combined
48 years of existence, providing a strong single voice for the satellite industry.
GSOA will continue to be led by Ms. Isabelle Mauro, current Director General of GSOA. David Meltzer
previously announced that he will be leaving GVF as Secretary General of GVF after four and a half
years.
Ms. Mauro commented “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.”
“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”, said
Mr. Meltzer.
GSOA’s Chairman, Mr. Rajeev Suri, commented, “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.”
“It’s been my privilege to have served as Chairman of GVF’s Board for the past 16 years, during which
our wide range of members have helped propel major advances across the satellite ecosystem
globally. The combination with GSOA is a critical next step in enhancing benefits to our members and
strengthening the overall voice of our industry, and I congratulate the leadership of both boards in
bringing about this transformative combination”, said GVF’s Chairman, Dr. Arunas Slekys.
Source: GSOA Press Release