annual report
TRANSCRIPT
Report & Accounts 1999 - 2001
Global VSAT Forum
G L O BA L V S AT F O RU M
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
To act in an independent manner for the general
promotion of the global VSAT industry, whether
this be technology or service based. The Global
VSAT Forum will represent the best interests of its
membership at relevant industry symposia, regulatory and
legal consultations and form a single point of contact for
any suppliers to the industry or any users of VSAT
equipment or services. The Global VSAT Forum’s actions
will always be consistent with the promotion and growth of
the VSAT industry and its membership.
REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NO. 3414971, a company limited by guaranteeREGISTERED OFFICE: 42 HOLYWELL HILL, ST ALBANS, HERTS, AL1 1BX, U.K.
C O N TAC T S
GVF Secretariat:
Global VSAT Forum2 Victoria Square
Victoria StreetSt. Albans, Herts, AL1 3TF, U.K.
Tel: +44(0)1727 884 739, 513Fax: +44(0)1727 884 839
Email: [email protected]@gvf.org
GVF Correspondent Offices:
GVF Auditor:
MacIntyre HudsonEuro House
1394 High RoadLondon N20 9YZ
Tel: +44(020) 8446 0922Fax: +44(020) 8446 7686
GVF Legal Counsel:
Squire, Sanders & DempseyRoyex House, 17th Floor
Aldermanbury SquareLondon EC2V 7HR, U.K.Tel: +44(020) 8446 0922Fax: +44(020) 8446 7686
BrasilUNISAT
Rua Mexico, 21-Sala 1402-B-CentroCEP. 20031-144-Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil
Tel/Fax: +55 21 2532 5123 / 2533 9540Email: [email protected]
Contact: José Cristóvam Nascimento
CanadaJohn T. Feneley Consulting
18 Fredmir Dollard Des OrmeauxQuebec, Canada H9A 2R2
Tel +1 514 684 7026Email: [email protected]
Contact: John T. Feneley
IndiaVSAT Service Association of India103 Ashoka Estate, Barakhamba Rd
New Delhi - 110001 - IndiaTel: +91 11 335 0633Fax: +91 11 372 3909
Email: [email protected]: Wg. Cdr. B.G. Bhalla (Retd.) VSM
IndonesiaThe Indonesian Satellite Association
d/a PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia TbkJI. Cisanggarung No.2, 2nd Floor, Rm 34
Bandung 40115, IndonesiaTel: +62 22 452 1659Fax: +62 22 422 0610
Email: [email protected]: Dr. Arifin Nugroho
MexicoThe Mexican Satellite Industry Association
Blvd. Manuel Avila Camacho No. 36, Piso 10Col. Lomas de Chapultepec 11000
Mexico, D.F.Tel: +52 55 284 2534Fax: +52 55 284 2223
Email: [email protected]: Ing. Erik R. Wallsten O.
RussiaNational Assembly of Satellite CommunicationBolyshoj Kozlovskij, per., 5, RSCC, for NASC
Moscow, 123242 - RussiaTel: +7 095 921 3733, ext. 238
Fax: +7 095 923 4933Email: [email protected]: Alexander Matveev
Sub-SaharaGeoffrey Daniell Telecoms Consulting
PO Box 70179, The WillowsPretoria, 0041, S. Africa
Tel: +27 12 807 0482Fax: +27 83 310 3332
Email: [email protected]: Geoffrey Daniell
West AfricaGilbert Adanusa CommunicationsPO Box AN 8051, Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233 21 772 233Fax: +233 21 224 797
Email: [email protected]: Gilbert Adanusa
1
C O N T E N T S
PAGE
Contents 1
Achievements at a Glance 2
The Members 4
Chairman’s Introduction 5
Secretary General’s Report 6
Board of Directors 8
Working Groups 10
Membership 12
Representation 14
Deregulation 16
Promotions 20
Financial Statements 22
2
1 9 9 9 & 2 0 0 0 A
JUNE 1999
The Russian governmentofficially recognises the GVFas key source on regulatory
reform.
MAY 1999
GVF Mutual RecognitionArrangement is finalised,enabling faster, less costly
satellite-operator typeapprovals.
APRIL 1999
SATA, a sub-group of theSouthern Africa Transport
and Telecoms Commission,invites the GVF to support
VSAT-related reform plans inthe region.
MARCH 1999
GVF steps up efforts topromote reforms that wouldpermit streamlined VSATlicensing in 43 European
countries.
OCTOBER 1999
GVF begins distribution ofsecond-edition ‘Global VSAT
Business’ industrysupplement.
OCTOBER 1999
GVF provides VSAT policyseminar for Brazilian
regulatory agency.
SEPTEMBER 1999
GVF Multimedia WorkingGroup launched to define and
promote role of next-generation satellite-based
solutions.
JULY 1999
GVF Regulatory WorkingGroup establishes VSAT
policy guidelines forinternational regulatory
community. JANUARY 2000
GVF efforts thwartprotectionism in Eastern
Europe.
GVF-supported landing-rights reforms are
implemented in India.
DECEMBER 1999
ETSI and GVF developMemorandum ofUnderstanding.
DECEMBER 1999
Europe adopts GVF-supported policy deregulating
VSATs.
NOVEMBER 1999
GVF establishes IndiaCorrespondent Office inconjunction with VSAT
Service Providers Associationof India.
MARCH 2000
European nations move toadopt streamlined licensing
of interactive VSATs.
FEBRUARY 2000
UNISAT appointed to leadGVF’s Brazil Correspondent
Office.Reform-minded Argentine
regulator requests GVFseminar.
GVF plans Latin AmericaVSAT conference.
FEBRUARY 2000
GVF Membership surpasses80 organisations in every
major world region.
GVF co-ordinates signing ofinternational multi-lateral
policy agreement.
JANUARY 2000
GVF establishes RussiaCorrespondent Office in
conjunction with NationalAssembly of Satellite
Communications.
3
AT A G L A N C E
JULY 2000
European CommissionInformation Society DGinvites GVF members tomeetings on measures to
improve the businessenvironment in Russia
and China.
JUNE 2000
GVF stages Latin AmericaVSAT Conference andRegional Membership
Meeting in Miami Beach, Florida.
GVF Global RegulatorySurvey is released to
Full Membersof the GVF.
MAY 2000
Middle Easternadministrations seek GVFinputs regarding potential
liberalisation of VSAT sector.
APRIL 2000
GVF urges Indiangovernment to initiate further
reforms of VSAT sector.
OCTOBER 2000
GVF Mexico Correspondentorganises VSAT Regulatory
Seminar for incomingMexican administration.
OCTOBER 2000
GVF General Assemblyconvenes in Amsterdam, and
L-band Interface Standard(LBIS) Sub-Group formed.
COMESA members establishregulatory authority in
sub-Saharan Africa,invite GVF support.
SEPTEMBER 2000
International VSAT PolicyDeclaration made available inEnglish, French, Spanish, andRussian through GVF website,
providing access for everygovernment in
the world.
AUGUST 2000
GVF appoints Asociacion dela Industria Satelital
Mexicana (ASISAT) to serveas GVF MexicoCorrespondent.
FEBRUARY 2001
GVF moderates VSATregulatory dialogue involvingSouth African Ministry and
local industry representatives.
GVF appoints Geoff Daniellto serve as GVF
Correspondent in SouthAfrica.
JANUARY 2001
GVF runs IP SatelliteWorkshop in conjunction
with China Telecomconference, Honolulu,
Hawaii.
DECEMBER 2000
GVF Membership reaches113 companies from 34
countries.
NOVEMBER 2000
GVF website traffic climbs to~3,000 hits per day.
MARCH 2001
Southern AsiaTelecommunications
Regulatory Commission invitesGVF participation in
regulatory meeting, Bhutan.
Indian government agreesto implement new round
of GVF-backedVSAT reforms.
MARCH 2001
GVF begins planning forArab & African States VSATSummit to be held in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates.
MARCH 2001
GVF hosts Chinesedelegation to Washington DC
and organises high-levelMinistry of Information
Industry meeting with USFederal Communications
Commission.
MARCH 2001
South, Central and NorthAmerican governmentsunanimously agree to
promote co-operation inGVF-supported VSATlicensing procedures
throughout the region.
L I S T O F M E M B E R S H I P *
AAE SystemsAdvantechAetheric EngineeringAFSATAgilis Communication TechnologiesAlcatelAnacomAndrewArabsatARY group / CMC EngineeringAsia Pacific Satellite MagazineAsiasatASISAT (Mexican Satellite Industry Association)**ASSI (Indonesian Satellite Industry Association)**AstriumAstrolink InternationalAstro Works/AstroExpo.comBoeingBroadband Satellite MagazineBTCable & WirelessCapRock/IWL CommunicationsChannel MasterClear ChannelCodanCommCarrierCommunications CenterCommunication ConceptsCompassRose InternationalCOMSYSComtech / EF DataCyberstarData Marine SystemsDatasat CommunicationsEDGE CommunicationsEmperionEricsson ComponedexEuroconsultEUTELSATFhG-Fokus. SatcomFlash NetworksGeneral DynamicsGeoff Daniell Communications**Gilat Satellite NetworksGilbert Adanusa Consulting**Global Convergence TechnologyGlobal NetGlobal Satellite ExchangeGlobecomm SystemsGS TelecomGulfsatHigh Capabilities TechnologiesHughes Network SystemsHutchison Corporate AccessiDirectINTELSATInvacomINVSATIrwin CommunicationsKingston inmediaLatham & WatkinsLatinetLockheed Martin Global TelecommunicationsLoral SkynetL-3 Communications Satellite NetworksMasterWorks CommunicationsMicrospace CommunicationsMindsprout TechnologiesMitsubishi Electric Corporation
MTNMultipoint CommunicationsNational Assembly of Satellite Communication - Russia**ND SatcomNECNERANeTrue VipersatNew Skies SatellitesNordic SatelliteNorsat InternationalNSI CommunicationsNSN Network ServicesOmniSpectrumOptusPacific Century MatrixPanAmSatParadigmParadise DatacomParaGea CommunicationsPatriot Antenna SystemsPlanet Communications AsiaPradeshtaProdelinPronetRaven ManufacturingSatNews.comSaudi InteltecSES AmericomSES GlobalShiron Satellite CommunicationsSierracomSignal Mountain NetworksSingapore TelecomSNEF GroupeSONEMASpaceBridge SemiconductorSpacenetStar OneStellatSTM WirelessStrategisStratosTachyonTeleDanmarkTeledesicTeleglobe Communications Corp.Telenor Satellite ServicesTELEPORT BulgariaTelespazioTelstra V-CommThe London Satellite ExchangeTitan WirelessTranscomTranstelTriatonTripoint GlobalUNISAT**United TelesysUniversity of YorkVerestarVertexVia Satellite Magazine/PBI MediaViasat Satellite NetworksVicomVSAT Service Providers Association of India**WB Walton EnterprisesWorldcomXantic
4
Notes: * Full members appear in bold**Asterisk denotes GVF Correspondents
Membership as at 1 February, 2002
“Competition is a very good thing, but competition andco-operation are better.”
I think that everyone reading these opening remarks willagree with the first part of this statement; after all,competition is the engine of good business. But what do I
mean by the second part? I am, of course, referring to the kindof co-operation that occurs day-by-day between the companieswho, during the last four years, have become members of theGlobal VSAT Forum.
On 4 June 1997 representatives of 25 companies, allcommercial competitors, congregated in London to decide ifthey were all willing to work together to promote the use ofadvanced communications network solutions provided via VerySmall Aperture Terminals (VSATs).
Four years later, the Global VSAT Forum has more than 130organisations in membership, representing 37 countries on allthe populated continents. Membership continues to grow, withnew members joining from all the industry sectors representedby the Forum: satellite operators, VSAT network operators,manufacturers, system integrators, value added and enhancedservice providers, carriers, and users. We’re pleased to havelawyers, consultants and publishers in membership, too.
So, what is the nature of this co-operation? What has thatwillingness to work together actually meant? What has beenachieved?
Over those four years, the Forum has been the unified voice ofthe global satellite industry and has succeeded in setting theagenda for discussion with international organisations, nationalgovernments and regulatory authorities at a national, regionaland global level in matters of licensing, type approvals andconformance.
The Board of Directors, which I have the honour and pleasureof chairing, is supported by representatives of membercompanies that regularly participate in the activities of theForum’s various Working Groups: covering Regulatory matters,the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (on equipment typeapprovals), Multimedia, Membership and Promotions.Summaries from each of these Working Groups appear in thelater pages of this annual report.
Co-operation among member companies has yielded manytangible results. Beyond the major policy gains obtained fromworking in partnership with modernising regulators, the GlobalVSAT Forum is positioned as the central point of contact forinformation both about the industry and for the industry. Itswork as an industry watchdog and as a representative body iscomplemented by major educational and promotional initiativeslaunched all around the world, and designed to encouragegreater awareness of the benefits of satellite communicationsand especially networks featuring VSAT technology.
I have great pleasure in presenting you with this record of themost recent achievements of the Global VSAT Forum and inviteyou to consider how you might in the future also contribute toour industry’s unified voice.
C H A I R M A N ’ S I N T RO D U C T I O N
5
Andrew Werth,
Hughes Network Systems
S E C R E TA RY G E N E R A L’ S R E P O RT
6
Never say never.....with some exceptions. Like neverunderestimate what is possible through the combinedefforts of a global industry. Take the satellite
communications industry, for example. As of 29 March, 1998,there was still no unified non-partisan voice to represent theindustry throughout the world. The industry had not “combinedits efforts”. And the results were painfully apparent:
• Most nations’ regulations unnecessarily hindered – and in many cases prevented - the industry’s best efforts to provide essential communications solutions.
• For governments interested in regulatory reform of the satellite sector, there was no industry consensus to clearly advise them how to proceed.
• And for administrations that still saw no reason to encourage the use of satellite-based services, there was no non-profit organisation with the mandate, credibility or resources to convince them otherwise.
That was just the regulatory front. In global forums, such as theUN, WTO and ITU, or in regional groups like the CEPT,SATTC, APEC, CITEL and others, there was no global industryrepresentation. As a result, key decisions were being made inthe absence of unified industry inputs.
The same held true on matters relating to technical co-ordination and standards. And for those who had an interest insimply learning about the virtues of VSAT-based solutions –whether they were a potential end user, a would-be serviceprovider, or a government agency – there was too often nophone number to call.
All that changed on 30 March, 1998. That’s when the industrysaid never again. That’s when 27 leading organisations launchedthe Global VSAT Forum. That’s when the industry began torealise a new level of success.
The first gains came faster than anyone expected, includingmyself. What we quickly realised was that the primary hurdle toregulatory reform was not always protectionism. Rather, theproblem was often that government agencies were simplyoverwhelmed regarding how best to address satellitecommunications in the context of trends such as convergence,IP, and broadband.
When the Global VSAT Forum offered to provide a clearguideline on what regulatory refinements were needed tofacilitate service provision – and thereby help governmentsachieve vital policy objectives – many administrations weredelighted. More than a few governments immediately beganadapting policies and regulations. The word spread andregulators from literally every major region of the world begancontacting the Global VSAT Forum for inputs.
David Hartshorn, GVF
S E C R E TA RY G E N E R A L’ S R E P O RT
7
As regards the more conservative administrations, the GVFstepped up its interventions and launched a programmedesigned to highlight best regulatory practices around theworld. A global survey of regulatory regimes was conducted,and this resource has proven instrumental to administrationsinterested in applying best-practise approaches.
Similar breakthroughs were realised in the technical arena.When a solution was needed to streamline satellite-operatortype approvals, a technical framework – now known as theMutual Recognition Arrangement - was established through theGlobal VSAT Forum. By consensus. In a room full ofcompetitors. Since then, the MRA framework has also begun tobe offered to governments as a way of streamlining their type-approvals processes.
Promotional and educational initiatives, meanwhile, took offlike a shot. In the GVF’s previous Report & Accounts, werecorded an average of 2,000 hits per day on the association’swebsite; today, that figure is closer to 9,000.
In addition, the GVF message reaches approximately 20,000-30,000 readers of international publications per month. GVFrepresentatives speak before hundreds of government, industryand end-user conference delegates each month. The GVF hostsor supports a seminar or workshop nearly every month and inevery region of the world. And the GVF stages informativeexhibits in every major region of the world, every year.
The workforce, as it were, is the GVF Membership, whichdoubled in the first year and doubled again in the second year.Today, the GVF Membership consists of more than 130 leadingcompanies from 37 countries in every major region of theworld, and every industry sector.
The strength in our numbers has enabled the global industry tocombine expertise drawn from many disciplines – from carriersto manufacturers, from operators to value-added serviceproviders, and from lawyers to publishers to consultants. Thisexpert resource has then been applied through the dedication ofthe Board (see page 8), the commitment of the GVF WorkingGroups (see page 10), and the frequent-flyer miles of theSecretariat to help advance the industry agenda. Or to put itmore directly, to help people obtain access to communications.
Whether it’s tele-medicine for public health, distance learningfor education, rural links for universal access, or IP-basedbroadband for Internet Service Providers, banks, stockexchanges, oil & gas concerns, automotive dealers, movietheatres, petrol stations, mining operations, or a host of otherapplications, these are the reasons why this global industryshould never be underestimated. Ever.
“[Two years ago], we
recorded an average of 2,000
hits per day on the
association’s website; today,
that figure is closer to 9,000.”
T H E B OA R D O F D I R E C T O R S *
8
George Jusaites
Olga Madruga-Forti
The directors of the company are delighted with the progress that has been achieved by the Global
VSAT Forum. In particular, the association has been successful in representing and advancing the
VSAT industry’s interests in every region of the world. It is strongly expected that this success will
continue well into the future.
Andrew Stimson
Andrew Stimson, INTELSAT (Appointed as replacement, 1 January, 1999; Re-elected 24 October, 2000)
Information and Application: “The Global VSAT Forum works for the benefit of the entire
VSAT community – end users, solution providers, and policy makers. One aspect of that role is the collection
and dissemination of information, from the data comprising a global regulatory database through to market
intelligence on communications industry trends. Using diverse means of delivery, from media like the Web
and printed publications, through to workshops delivered and meetings attended around the world, the GVF
brings this information to bear on one of its other roles, that of promoting and facilitating the use of VSAT-
based communications solutions.
“Information informs dialogue, facilitates progress. Some form of dialogue affecting the VSAT industry is
taking place around the clock, somewhere around the globe: at the World Trade Organisation or the
International Telecommunication Union; within regional regulatory organisations; or between national
authorities, end-users and their potential service providers. Directed at, and used collaboratively with these
forums, this information – and how it is applied – has contributed to the efficacy of this unified voice of the
VSAT community.”
George Jusaites, Channel Master (Elected 2 November, 1999)
Broadband Beckons: “By 2004, analysts predict that the global satellite broadband market will reach 9 million
residential end-users and almost 3 million enterprise sites. This represents astounding growth for the satellite
industry in just a few short years. Whether or not you agree with the analysts’ projections, I’m sure we all can
agree that broadband is coming. Some satellite platform providers are preparing program launches as early as
the 2002-2003 time frame. What this means to our industry is a myriad of both business opportunities and the
problems associated with change. Powerful telecom switches in the sky will provide end-users with a multitude
of new services that will cross global borders, replace existing technology with new platforms, and require a
volume of manufacturing and equipment installation never before seen in our industry’s history. The GVF
recognizes that there is much work to be done. With the help of our membership, working groups and strong
industry presence we will heed the call to assist in making satellite broadband a success.”
Olga Madruga-Forti, Cyberstar (Elected 24 October, 2000)
Policy Progress: “The Global VSAT Forum’s International VSAT Policy Declaration (IVPD) was, and
continues to be, a major landmark in the recent history of telecommunications regulatory reform around the
world. It created a framework within which the more recent regulatory reform work of the Forum was set.
Since the publication of the IVPD, the Forum has produced the VSAT Global Regulatory Survey which sets
out the prevailing regulatory conditions in each nation around the globe and draws comparison between this
data and the best-practice guidelines that feature in the IVPD. The detailed research data in the Regulatory
Survey, building on the ideal-type policy framework set out in the IVPD, constitutes a resource which has
been instrumental in giving regulatory administrations a clearer understanding of the shape and direction of
regulatory reform trends. Moreover, this information has constituted the basis on which many of these
administrations have moved forward with their own reforms. In this, and other, aspects of regulatory policy
reform, the Global VSAT Forum continues to be an indispensable partner in its collaboration with industry
and governments around the globe.”
T H E B OA R D O F D I R E C T O R S
9
Michael DeWan
Larry Whitmeyer
Angela Myhre
* Directors sitting on the Board as at or before 31 March, 2001
Angela Myhre, Telenor Satellite Services (Elected 30 March, 1998; Re-elected 24 October, 2000)
Education and Promotion: “The GVF continues to foster understanding of the role that VSAT-based services
play in the telecommunications industry, and promotes approaches to advance the availability of these services
to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises. Through education and promotion, the GVF has
advocated regulatory and trade principles, and raised the awareness of the industry in political circles, the
press, user groups and associated industries, including IT and Internet. By continuing to advance these
principles, access to vital services will be significantly enhanced at national, regional and global levels -
benefiting administrations, end users and service providers alike. All GVF Members share this educational
and promotional responsibility and commitment.”
Larry Whitmeyer, Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications (Elected 2 November, 1999)
Point of Presence: “In the same way that VSATs facilitate point-of-presence links between widely separated
geographic locations, the Global VSAT Forum functions as a worldwide point of presence for its Membership.
By enabling its Members to be continually at the forefront of their industry’s developments on many fronts,
the GVF ensures that an individual Member’s concerns receive the collective presence and backing of the
association. Members know that regardless of their physical location on the globe, they can rely on the GVF
to represent their interests with its continual presence at industry events and through energetic sponsorship of
key initiatives.”
Michael DeWan, WorldCom (Elected 30 March 1998; Re-elected 2 November, 1999)
The Industry Voice: “The VSAT industry competes on a worldwide basis with other telecommunications
technologies and, as with any competitive industry, it is vital that the industry’s message gets out to the public
and to those who can have an impact on our ability to deliver products and services. Communication of the
industry position on deregulation, technology, and the suitability of this technology for business and consumer
applications can only be influential in the world community if there is a unified voice supported by a
significant membership. The GVF fills this industry need. Before the establishment of the GVF, regulators
would receive unsolicited comments for regulatory relief from individual firms within the industry. As
individual players, these requests failed to receive significant attention, because they did not carry the collective
weight of an industry with unified goals.
“Today the environment is much different thanks to the prominent position established by the GVF, our
Secretary General and a very active membership. Recognition of the GVF throughout the world and
acknowledgement of the membership’s unity has been borne out by the numerous requests the GVF receives to
assist in helping regulators define goals and address country-specific regulatory issues. The GVF enjoys this
respect because we are seen as a group willing to cooperate to achieve shared goals. We provide an
authoritative voice for the industry and we can provide expertise to all segments of the industry. Great progress
has been achieved but much remains to be done. The GVF can continue to successfully pursue the removal of
regulatory barriers only if our membership remains actively engaged in the GVF.”
WO R K I N G G RO U P S
10
Regulatory Working Group
“While each company views its regulatory know-how and expertise in various countries as part of its competitiveedge, the GVF Members have realized the benefits of working together and joining forces on issues of regulatoryconcern. The competitive strength of the VSAT industry is increased by a common approach. In negotiations withregulators the voice of the GVF can have much more impact and a stronger stand than that of an individualcompany.
“About once a month the regulatory experts of the GVF Member companies discuss market-access hurdles andpossible GVF actions in a conference call, where updates are also provided on the latest regulatory developments.
“One of the most important recent projects has been to update and extend the GVF Global Regulatory Database.Originally this database was established in order to allow for a global policy comparison based on the principlesof the GVF’s “International VSAT Policy Declaration”. The GVF Regulatory Working Group then decided that itwanted to use this tool also for market access information and to provide for the possibility to create reports basedon certain criteria. Many companies are participating in the effort to assess the regulatory situation in everycountry of the world.
“Regulatory Workshops that the GVF holds in various countries of the world form an excellent forum forindustry, customers and regulators to exchange their views, concerns and experiences and to advocate best-practice principles. Optimum regulatory approaches were promoted during workshops held in countries such asIndia, Brazil, Russia and Argentina, and they have resulted in substantial improvements in the VSAT regulations.Regulatory advances made in one country or region can then be described and discussed with regulators in otherregions with a view toward adoption.
“Last, but not least, the GVF-RWG has continued to react on short notice to requests for action or intervention byindividual member companies or organizations. This activity is ongoing and, based on past GVF successes inevery region of the world, promises to gain in importance to the global VSAT community.”
The Chairs of the Global VSAT Forum Working Groups are pleased to report some of the achievements
made on behalf of the GVF and the industry at large, in their respective areas of responsibility. Their
statements are a testimony to the continuing dedication of the GVF Membership as they support the
industry agenda throughout the world.
Publicity and Promotions Working Group
“On a daily basis, the Global VSAT Forum message is heard around the world. Simply put, that message containsa unified industry statement that VSAT-based satellite networks can provide a cost-effective solution for thedelivery of Internet, video, voice and data services to millions of end-users worldwide.
“The GVF Publicity and Promotions Working Group has been effectively communicating our message bytargeting the publications, speaking venues, workshops, trade shows and conferences where the decision makersare present. During this past year, the GVF participated in more than 30 industry events on a local, national,regional and global basis. Our new Regional Correspondents keep a finger on the pulse of activity, participatingone-on-one with the local governments, regulators and end-users. In addition, numerous magazines, newspapersand newsletters have brought the GVF members’ message home with articles appearing in millions of editionsdistributed worldwide in a myriad of languages.
“Through strategic linking, the GVF website has tripled the number of hits-per-day to over 8,000 and the GVF siteis now listed as one of the top sites by the major Internet search engines. Located at www.gvf.org, this usefulindustry tool not only provides our members with special benefits, but also serves as a valuable reference andinformation center for governments, regulators, potential customers, journalists and educators alike to learn aboutthe global VSAT advantage.”
Susan Gordon,INTELSAT
Mutual Recognition Arrangement Working Group
“The MRA Working Group charter is to define procedures and standards for earth station equipment typeapprovals issued by satellite operators. The group maintains an email discussion list with approximately 50participants and holds meetings several times per year.
“At an October 2000 meeting in Amsterdam, for example, it was announced that Channel Master had become thefirst to use the MRA procedure for multiple type approvals using a single test data package. Also during themeeting, final edits to revision C of the MRA procedure (GVF-101) were debated and agreed upon. Revision Cwas subsequently ratified by the GVF board of directors and is in effect. The document is available to the publicfor download at www.gvf.org.
Annette Purves,New SkiesSatellites
Ralph Brooker, Andrew Corp.
WO R K I N G G RO U P S
11
Multimedia Working Group
“The rapid introduction of digital technologies has repositioned satellites as a viable complement – and in somecases alternative - to terrestrial technologies providing video and multimedia services to businesses andconsumers. As the number of Internet users and applications continues to grow, the telecommunicationsinfrastructure is struggling to provide sufficient bandwidth. Although terrestrial technologies are being deployed,it is most likely that there will be many areas without broadband access. As a result significant investment willbe required to upgrade networks to support the new demands. The VSAT industry expects broadband, IP-basedsatellite solutions for Internet, intranet and multimedia applications for customers to represent an increasingproportion of the market in future years.
“The future VSAT industry will use broadband, IP-based satellite solutions to reach and service its clients andcustomers. For the VSAT industry, broadband also represents a new playing field, with an increasing number ofcompetitors and an ever-decreasing margin on traditional VSAT services as the inevitable result.
“The GVF Multimedia Working Group monitors these trends, with an eye for regulatory implications andeducational awareness needs. During year 2000, the GVF Multimedia Working Group identified four interestgroups - IT industry, Regulatory, Media/Press and Internet - which we believe would benefit from an educationalawareness programme. The objective of the programme is to address the interest group's concerns with respect tobroadband, IP-based satellite solutions. White papers were drafted and are now under review. In the comingyear, the Working Group, in co-operation with the Publicity and Promotions Working Group, plans to use the'Industry Voice' to make sure our message is heard, and to secure our role in the evolving broadband business.”
Membership Working Group
“Expanded GVF Membership and the enhancement of Member benefits were the Membership Working Group’s(MWG’s) two primary efforts over this past year. Recognizing that more Members were desired from the keygrowth regions of Asia, Latin America and Middle East/Africa, MWG and GVF staff energy was focused onreaching potential Members from these areas and spreading understanding about the GVF’s role and function inthe satellite industry. Potential Members were personally contacted by working group members, GVF AffiliateMembers in the regions, and/or the GVF staff, with invitations to join ranks with their industry colleagues.
“Key industry events in each of these regions were targeted in order to maximize GVF exposure. As an example,during Telexpo Brasil 2001 in São Paulo, an invitational dinner (sponsored by LMGT) was held to educateselected companies about the GVF, and to hear their concerns regarding the VSAT business. These efforts resultedin an overall increase in GVF Membership from last year. Even so, near-term focus on these regions will continue.
“At the same time, the MWG worked with the GVF staff and Board of Directors in searching for initiatives thatcould enhance value of GVF Membership. These efforts resulted in the adoption and implementation of severalitems, including: annual fee discounts for sponsoring a new Member or upgrading from Associate to FullMembership, creation of a ‘Member Spotlight’ feature on the GVF website for Full Members, development of aGVF Membership Directory to be published annually, and instituting special workshop awareness/focus onspecific VSAT-related issues through solicitation from Members. Another key development was the establishmentof a special Affiliate Member category to encourage Members of GVF Correspondent associations to join theGVF.
“Of course, endeavors such as these are merely a part of the continuous growth process that an active organizationsuch as the GVF experiences. Through Member input and feedback, the Membership Working Group willcontinue to work in concert with the GVF staff to expand and strengthen the organization’s reach and impactglobally.”
“Meanwhile, establishment of an L-band Interface Standard (LBIS) has been identified as a priority, and an MRAsub-group has been established to set an industry standard for the interface between L-band modems and outdoorblock IF upconverter/SSPA’s. An email discussion list and web site have been created, and a draft standard is underreview.
“The MRA Working Group’s work also is being applied to regulatory agency type approvals. The GVF has begunto recommend that regional and national governments use the MRA to streamline homologation procedures.Meetings held with the regulatory agencies of India and the U.S. have set the stage for an expanded introduction ofthe concept throughout the world.
“The group has other ongoing objectives, including convergence of performance standards and the effectivetreatment of type approvals in the context of Ka-band services. On this latter point, the MRA Working Group mostrecently held a meeting at the 7th Ka-Band Utilization Conference in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy. As next-generation VSAT systems are readied for launch, this dialogue will gain in importance, paving the way for moreefficient deployment of services.”
Angela Myhre,Telenor SatelliteServices
Larry Whitmeyer,Lockheed MartinGlobalTelecommunications
M E M B E R S H I P B Y C O M PA N Y
12
Four years ago, a group of less than 30 satellite industryleaders had a vision. They realised that they had anopportunity to address the regulatory and market-access
pressures that both service and product providers were facingthroughout the world. An organisation established to drawupon the combined strengths of the industry, and that wouldprovide a single, unified voice for the satellite communicationscommunity would be a bold and innovative move – and theydid it.
At mid-July 2001 the Membership had reached 121organisations from 35 countries in every major region of theworld. By the fourth quarter of 2001, the Membership was 130companies, and counting.
That the industry’s resolve to stand together had an immediateeffect was noted in the previous Annual Report, and this effectcontinues on ever broader and deeper levels. An increasedMembership has combined in an even greater body of expertisefrom right across the range of the VSAT community, anexpertise manifest in all the varied facets of the Forum’s workand as described in this Report.
Our newest Members join the established ones in enjoying anenhanced range of Membership benefits identified by theSecretariat and the Membership Working Group. Thesebenefits are presented in more detail in the report of theChairman of the Membership Working Group within thisReport, and include membership fee discounts, GVF “trialmemberships”, special focus groups, a new “AffiliateMembership” category, discounts for membership in GVFCorrespondent Associations, and an annual MembershipDirectory.
The Global VSAT Forum is now firmly recognised as the VSATindustry representative voice at the tables of various national,regional and international satellite communications authorities,as a successful collaboration of previously unfocussed interests.But, more than for just the record, it is important to highlightthe Founder Members, who continue to support the GVF’sshared vision:
BT Full FounderCable & Wireless Full FounderCOMSYS Associate FounderCyberstar Full FounderEUTELSAT Full FounderGilat Satellite Networks Full FounderGulfsat Full FounderHughes Network Systems Full FounderINTELSAT Full FounderLockheed Martin Full FounderGlobal TelecommunicationsNEC Full FounderSES-Global Full FounderSNEF Groupe Associate FounderSpacenet Inc. Associate FounderSTM Wireless Full FounderTelenor Satellite Services Full FounderTelstra V-Comm Full FounderTriaton Associate FounderViaSat Full FounderVSAI of India Associate Founder Worldcom Full Founder
* Founders as at 1 February, 2002
98
0MARCH MARCH SEPT
50
60
70
80
99MEMBERS
90
100
10
20
30
40
00 01
DEC
110
120
130
13
M E M B E R S H I P B Y C O U N T RY
Global – worldwide, wide-ranging, all embracing, allgood definitions of this too easily over-workedadjective, but in this spirit the Global VSAT Forum is
wholly true to its name, as intended by its Founding Members.
The original group derived from 11 countries across fiveregions of the globe; already an international organisation, theobjective was to assert and to maintain its non-partisan andnon-aligned status.
As it has grown in size and in influence, the Global VSATForum has consistently maintained this status, regarded not onlyas an essential adjunct to its global presence, but vital becauseso much of that presence is manifest in the form of theindividual member companies.
Over and above the work done around the globe by the Forum’sSecretariat, many initiatives have been developed by, and agreat deal of effort expended by, those with local credentialsand local expertise. Those companies would only choose to beassociated with an organisation that was recognised to have noregional or national alignments or bias. That the work of theselocal companies in advancing regulatory reform and inpromoting VSAT-based solutions has been recognised assuccessful is further testament to the universalacknowledgement the GVF’s global status.
Collaboration with our Correspondent Members - in Brazil,India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and Russia - togetherwith the efforts of those individual organisations on the groundwithin their own national and regional contexts, has given evengreater weight to the efforts of the Forum. Their input hascontributed even greater leverage to the work of introducinggreater liberalisation to the telcoms sector in these major worldregions.
All of this reflects the true and central strength of the GlobalVSAT Forum. As new Members join the Forum, either fromnations already represented or as the first to represent theirrespective national market, the level of regional participationgrows broader, providing progressively further enhancement toour ability to provide solutions that make sense on a national,regional or global level.
98
0MARCH MARCH SEPT
15
20
99COUNTRIES
25
5
10
00 01
DEC
30
40
35
COSTA RICAConfirmed Member of Costa Rican legislature as keynote speaker to open the GVF 2000 – Latin America Conference. The theme: VSAT reform in Central America.
14
R E P R E S E N TAT I O N
NepalAMERICAS Having supported CITEL’s establishment of aVSAT licensing database for the region, served ascatalyst during meetings in Panama and Ottawa toadvance harmonisation of VSAT regulationsthroughout South, Central and North America.
UNITED STATESGVF fought to preserve VSAT spectrumfrom advances made by terrestrial wirelesslobby at Federal CommunicationsCommission. Also began working with FCCregarding endorsement of GVF MRA tostreamline VSAT type-approvals processes.
BRAZILAs follow-up to successful 1999 GVF VSAT RegulatoryWorkshop with Brazilian regulator, provided detailed data relatedto how other administrations have implemented blanket licensing.Brazil has now begun issuing blanket licenses for VSATs.
LATIN AMERICAGVF launched regional VSATconference in Miami involvinggovernment officials, service providersand end users. Event served as keyforum for business and regulatorydialogue.
NIGERIAFollowing dialogue with GVF,national regulatory agencypartially deregulated use ofsatellites by ISP sector.
ZAMBIAGVF staged VSAT seminar inconjunction with COMESA-EU communicationsconference.
BOTSWANAGVF provided industry input onregional satellite spectrum policy andregulatory-reform trends to SATTC.Plans underway to hold VSATregulatory seminar.
GREECEGVF submitted commentsrelated to improvementsneeded in VSAT regulatoryregime.
ARGENTINA Conducted Regulatory VSAT Workshop for theArgentine regulatory agency, CNC; provided inputs toCNC’s Secretary of Communications urging adoption ofblanket-licensing and relaxed landing-rights regulationsto facilitate VSAT service provision. Thereafter, CNCimplemented partial reform.
BELGIUM Made substantial contributions toComprehensive Satellite Initiative in co-ordination with SAP-REG group to promote implementation of CEPT reforms inEurope. Also participated regularly in SAP-REG meetings and addressed other ECregulatory events.
EASTERN CARIBBEAN Supplied examples of best-practiceregulation and overview of globalreform trends to newly-formed ECTELgroup, charged with national-levelreform throughout the region.
PORTUGALGovernment approachedregarding Portugal’s impositionof extremely high VSATlicensing fees.
Some form of activity that is likely to shape the VSAT industry’s future is taking place in pu– globally, regionally and nationally. One of the top objectives of the Global VSAT Forum GVF also updates the Membership on key developments, co-ordinates the provision of ind
representation established by the GVF are noted below.
VENEZUELAIn response to call for GVF comments, provided consensus-basedguidelines on reforms needed to ensure effective VSAT-based services in Venezuela. New legislation enacted.
MEXICOGVF’s Mexico Correspondent, Asociacion de la Industria SatelitalMexicana, held VSAT Regulatory Workshop for incoming government to promote deregulation. Mexico has begun opening its market to foreign satellite operators.
R E P R E S E N TAT I O N
15
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
NepalNepal
MYANMARProvided regulatory guidelines to government.
CHINAMeetings held with MII in Beijing regardingregulatory reform. Hosted MII delegation toWashington, where joint meeting was held atFCC. Plans underway to hold follow-up VSATregulatory seminar for MII in Beijing.
SINGAPORE Encouraged government advocacy of VSAT services,which was followed by issuance of new licenses.
THAILAND In meetings and official presentations, proposeddevelopment of VSAT licensing database by AsiaPacific Telecommunity.
BHUTAN Addressed SATRC regulatory groupregarding national- and regional-levelVSAT reform trends.
PAKISTAN Meetings and dialogue heldwith government relating toplanned liberalisation ofVSAT sector, includingintroduction of internationalVoIP via satellite.
RUSSIARussian VSAT Seminar organised for government/industrytogether with local GVF Correspondent, NationalAssembly of Satellite Communications. Expedited VSATlicensing process implemented thereafter.
INDIAMeetings, seminar and othercontact with DoT, TRAI andISRO related to implementationof direct-satellite-access policyfor ISPs, that was implementedin 2000. Subsequent round ofdialogue related to fees, datarates and interconnectionresulted in implementation offurther reforms.
JORDAN Provided informationrelated to liberalisation ofVSAT sector. Jordaniangovernment expects toimplement new TelecomLaw providing for partialliberalisation of VSATsector.
SAUDI ARABIASupplied data related to best-practice VSAT regulationimplemented by other administrations around theworld. Licensees have been short-listed to providefirst competitive VSAT services in nation’s history.Independent regulator established.
UNITED ARABEMIRATESInitiated planning for Arab &African States VSAT Summit,to be held in Dubai.
KENYARegulatory guidelines provided togoverment. Partial liberalization enactedin 2001.
DENMARK Having encouraged establishment of One Stop Shop satellite licensing facility by ETO(www.eto.dk), the GVF promoted implementation by administrations of legislation needed toactivate Combined Application Form.
FINLAND Participated in – and was major contributor of documentation for – CEPTmeeting related to regional licensing reform for interactive VSATs. It hasnow been adopted by CEPT and implemented by Austria, CzechRepublic, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,Switzerland. Others are pending.
blic- and private-sector forums almost continually. These dialogues are underway at every levelhas been to establish and maintain representation for the industry in all such gatherings. The
dustry-related data, and involves companies with relevant expertise. A few examples of
SOUTH KOREA Jointly signed memorandum with APSCC to advocate VSAT-related policyreform. Thereafter, began co-ordinatingpromotion of Open Skies for VSATs in AsiaPacific.
SOUTH AFRICARegulatory Workshop held in Midrand involvingMinistry. Joint public/private-sector consensusachieved regarding deregulatory action plan. Follow-up continues.
African States VSAT Summit held during ITU Africain 2001.
D E R E G U L AT I O N - E U RO P E
16
The Global VSAT Forum’s approach in Europe hasevolved. Whereas the association’s top priority wasadvancement of pan-European satellite policy principles -
several of which are now successfully adopted - the GVF hasturned more attention to advocating implementation of thoseprinciples by national administrations.
This advocacy has facilitated unprecedented progress: Whenthe GVF was first launched in 1998, streamlined licensing ofVSAT services was not implemented anywhere in Europe; asthis publication went to press, a dozen countries hadimplemented streamlined licensing regimes for VSATs, eitherfor receive-only terminals, interactive systems, or both.
These licensing gains followed the adoption in 2000 of regionalpolicy principles by the European Conference of Posts &Telecommunications (CEPT). They are divided into four“Decisions”, which have been implemented in the followingcountries, as follows:
• Receive-Only Earth Stations ("ROES" Decision):Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and the U.K.
• Ku-band Interactive Earth Stations ("VSAT" Decision):Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway.
• Ka-band Interactive Earth Stations ("SITs" and “SUTs” Decisions): Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland.
As European administrations have been implementing improvedlicensing regimes, the GVF has been advising governments inAsia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle Easton how to take advantage of similar “light-touch” approaches toVSAT regulation.
A key part of this process has involved arranging VSATregulatory meetings between European regulators and theircounterparts in other regions. High-level officials from theEuropean Commission, CEPT and national administrationshave been integrated into GVF regulatory programs in Beijing,Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Miami, Moscow, and Washington, D.C.,where progressive reform was advanced.
The current implementation status of satellite-related CEPTDecisions and Recommendations can be seen at www.eto.dkwhere, in addition to updates, an information bank has nowbeen established for One Stop Shop access to VSAT licensinginformation relating to many of the 43 European CEPTadministrations.
The same web site also includes a Combined Application Formthat will enable a VSAT license applicant to file electronicallyto any combination of European regulatory administrationswith a single form. The GVF is urging Europeanadministrations to take the steps necessary to implement thisvaluable system.
Meanwhile, in large part due to the energies of the GVF’sRussia Correspondent, Alexander Matveev, Moscow hasimplemented an expedited VSAT licensing procedure forVSATs used in conjunction with the Express satelliteconstellation. Matveev, who also serves as Executive Directorof Russia’s National Assembly of Satellite Communications, isworking with the GVF to have expedited licensing appliedmore broadly.
D E R E G U L AT I O N - M I D D L E E A S T & A F R I C A
17
Political instability, monopolistic practices, insufficientfinancing… despite the seeming intractability of these andother Middle Eastern and African barriers, the Global
VSAT Forum’s Annual Report for 1998-99 noted tremendouspotential for regulatory progress in both regions.
We haven’t been disappointed. National administrations havecontinued to gradually remove regulatory responsibility from thePTTs and commercialisation of the telecom sector has stimulatedfurther market opening. This has helped drive Middle Easternand African demand for VSAT-based services, both from theprivate and public sectors. And that, in turn, is driving the newregulatory agenda.
“We are interested in liberalising the VSAT sector. What do yousuggest?”
That’s what representatives of several Middle Eastern andAfrican governments asked during calls made to the GlobalVSAT Forum. Several months later, one such government hadshort-listed five VSAT licensees – the first ever to providecompetitive VSAT service in the country - and created anindependent regulator.
Are they an isolated case? Not hardly. In North Africa, Moroccoawarded several VSAT licenses to operators, initiating the firstVSAT-based competition in that nation’s history. And as thisreport went to press, the Jordanian government – which also co-ordinated closely with the GVF - confirmed that they havecompleted a draft Telecom Law that includes new provisions forVSAT-based competition.
Further south, in markets like Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique,Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia, the governments haveimplemented partial deregulation of the VSAT sector, permittinglocal service provision by national and international players. Andin South Africa – where the GVF has appointed Geoff Daniell toserve as local Correspondent – the administration has created anindependent regulator.
Meanwhile, the GVF has been working hard and fast to facilitatefurther gains in both regions. A sampling of activity:
• Pan-Africa & the Middle East: The GVF began planning the Arab & African States VSAT Summit to be held in Dubai.The complimentary event will serve as a forum for end users,industry and governments from throughout both regions to embrace the use of satellite-based services.
• West Africa: The GVF began working with the West AfricanTelecommunications Regulators’ Authority (WATRA), which was recently created to co-ordinate regulatory and policy issues.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: GVF regulatory meetings and seminarswere held at the COMESA Trade Fair in Lusaka, Zambia; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Nairobi, Kenya. The GVF continued its support of the Southern Africa Transport and Communications Commission.
D E R E G U L AT I O N - A S I A
18
Think global, act local. The truth of this truism wasput to the test in Asia during 1999/2001, with localindustry groups increasingly serving as the Global
VSAT Forum’s standard bearers at the national level.
First among these has been the VSAT Services Associationof India (VSAI) which, in addition to its long-standingposition as a Founding Member of the Global VSATForum, was appointed to serve as the GVF’s IndiaCorrespondent. In this role, VSAI served as a primaryliaison between the GVF and the Indian government on keyregulatory initiatives.
In Southeast Asia, meanwhile, the Indonesian SatelliteAssociation (ASSI) was appointed to serve as the GVF’slocal Correspondent and, further north, a similar strategicrelationship was established with the newly-formed ChinaSatellite Forum in Beijing.
The value of local presence became readily apparent inJanuary 2000, when the Indian government implemented aGVF-supported policy that – for the first time in thenation’s history – permitted Internet Service Providers withinternational gateway licenses to directly access anysatellite in the orbital arc, and allowed provisional use ofnon-Indian satellite capacity to address local demand forVSAT services.
Implementation of the policy, which was first drafted withthe government 18 months prior during a regulatoryworkshop organised jointly by VSAI and the GVF, resultedin immediate provision of new services throughout thecountry. (Indeed, as this report went to press, anothercontract was signed by a major satellite operator.)
But that’s just one example. Since then, the GVFRegulatory Working Group has been involved in numerousinterventions, delegations, and meetings with the Indian –and indeed, with numerous national and regional Asianregulatory organisations, including:
• China: The GVF organised a delegation from China’s Ministry of Information Industry, which held a high-level meeting with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. The agenda: Regulatory reform of the VSAT sector, particularly as it relates to the World Trade Organisation’s Telecom Trade Agreement.
• India: Following the above-noted breakthrough in India,New Delhi responded favourably to further GVF/VSAI interventions, announcing that it would: Elevate the ceiling on VSAT data rates from 64 Kbps to 512 Kbps; permit interconnection of VSAT-based closed-user-groupnetworks; and provide for licensing-fee reductions.
• Pan-Asia: The GVF has led the establishment of a consensus amongst satellite operators active in the Asianregion to jointly advocate national-level Open Skies policies for domestic and international VSAT services.
D E R E G U L AT I O N - A M E R I C A S
19
Deregulation within the Americas poses a strikingdichotomy.”
So ran the opening sentence in this section of the 1998-1999Annual Report, emphasising the distinction between the “lighttouch” of North American regulation and the burdensomerestrictions on the use of VSAT-based solutions in certain LatinAmerican nations. But even then, the rules were beginning to beredrawn.
More recently, the regional group of regulators serving South,Central and North America - the Inter-AmericanTelecommunication Commission (CITEL) - has taken ground-breaking steps towards GVF-supported harmonisation of VSATregulation throughout the two American continents.
As this publication went to press, a CITEL sub-group wasfinalising a report that recommends the implementation of acomprehensive VSAT programme for the region, with theobjective of facilitating earth station licensing in each country.The draft report was supported by GVF involvement in Panama-and Ottawa-based CITEL meetings, and it is to be formallypresented at a CITEL gathering in Mexico.
This initiative expands upon another GVF-supported CITELprogramme that was implemented in year 2000: theestablishment of a regional VSAT licensing databaseadministered by the Organisation of American States, in whichnumerous countries have provided direct access to theirregulatory requirements. This on-line facility has enhancedtransparency throughout the region and enables industry to moreeffectively provide VSAT-based communications. (Interestedparties are welcome to visit the site at www.citel.oas.org/pcc3/vsat/vsat_information_of_licensing.htm)
Important strides also were taken at the national level:
• Brazil: Following a GVF Regulatory Seminar held forAnatel - Brazil’s regulatory agency - blanket licensing of VSATs has been implemented in the country. The new regulation, which applies to Ku-band services, is a major stepforward for Brazil and sets an important example for other administrations throughout the region. The GVF’s Brazil Correspondent, UNISAT, played an important role inco-ordinating with Anatel.
• Mexico: During an event hosted by the GVF’s Mexico Correspondent, Asociacion de la Industria Satelital Mexicana(ASISAT), the incoming administration of Mexico learned ofthe strategic contributions that the satellite industry makes in the national and international arenas. ASISAT, which is Mexico’s non-profit satellite industry association, organised presentations and a key speech from the GVF Secretary General for local industry and leading government officials - who recently issued licenses to foreign-owned satellite service providers.
• Venezuela: The GVF Regulatory Working Group provided a consensus-based document to the Venezuelan government, advising them of constructive VSAT regulatory approaches, which were taken on board in the nation’s reform process.
“
P RO M OT I O NA L P RO G R A M M E S
20
In more than three years of operations - during a period oftremendous change in the VSAT industry and throughout thetelecommunications sector - the promotional work undertaken
by the Global VSAT Forum has grown significantly.
Reflecting this, and the consequent expanding workload of thePublicity and Promotions Working Group, the P&PWG now hastwo co-Chairs, with George Jusaites of Channel Master havingjoined forces with Susan Gordon of Intelsat at the helm in the thirdquarter of 2001. A report from Susan Gordon features separatelyin this Report (see p.10).
The WebAmongst its other efforts, the Working Group is presently focusingmost closely on GVF event branding, the new MembershipDirectory, and the GVF web site.
In respect of the latter, the web site is now receiving in excess of8,000 hits per day with some individual member organisationsreceiving thousands of hits linked from www.gvf.org. Followed bythe home page, most hits are received by the GVF Membership List(hotlinked to Members’ web sites), closely followed by theCommunications Solutions section, comprising VSAT case studiessubmitted by member organisations.
The increase in traffic to www.gvf.org has been strengthened byseeding the site at many of the world’s most frequently consultedsearch engines. These include: Excite, AoL, Google, Lycos,Webcrawler, GoTo, AltaVista, Looksmart, MSN and Netscape.
Meanwhile, the P&PWG is concentrating on new web site featuresand means by which “eyeball traffic” can be increased yet further.GVF Members are invited to submit their ideas on this initiative tothe Working Group via the Secretariat.
GVF Membership DirectoryAt time of writing, a major new GVF publishing venture was firmlyunderway in co-operation with Satnews Publishers. The GlobalVSAT Forum Members Directory follows on from the publishededitions of Global VSAT Business in 1998/99 and 2000, but willfeature more member organisation information, thereby becominga substantial data resource both for members and for GVF industrypromotions.
Other PublicationsThe Secretary General - and now also the Director for InternationalProgramme Development - continues to secure additional regularfeature columns in publications around the globe. Articles writtenby the Secretariat complement those produced by Memberorganisations, and anyone interested in contributing articles forpossible submission to these publications under the GVF bannershould contact David Hartshorn or Martin Jarrold.
All Around the WorldThe GVF now stages industry events in every major region, everyyear. For example, with the current regulatory and businessclimates in the African region continuing to improve, much of theGVF’s promotional efforts associated with events were focused onlaunching the African States VSAT Summit in Johannesburg,during ITU Africa in November 2001.
The Summit attracted strong attendance from a wide range ofpublic and private sector executives, including diplomats,regulators, NGOs, satellite service and system providers, Internetprofessionals, end users and a host of others from Africa, theMiddle East, Asia, North America, and Europe.
During the Africa Computing & Telecommunications (ACT 2001)Conference and Exhibition in Pretoria, as well as conducting twoscheduled workshops, Martin Jarrold, the GVF’s new Director ofInternational Programme Development, was interviewed forSummit TV, a pan-African satellite business channel. As well asgeneral promotion of the VSAT industry, the then upcoming GVFAfrican States Summit featured strongly in the discussion that wasbroadcast both during and after ACT.
As for the Middle East, plans relating to an Arab States VSATSummit had been unveiled to key communications organisations inCasablanca on 17th April 2001, during the Annual Meeting ofArabsat. The event is tentatively scheduled for the fourth quarterof 2002 in Dubai, in conjunction with the GITEX Conference andExhibition.
Other conference and exhibition activity for the period August2000 through to June 2001 is listed below, but worthy of significantnote is the CommunicAsia event in Singapore. The GVF was jointorganiser of a two-day satellite conference with SingaporeExhibition Services (SES). This is a major event in the Asia Pacificcalendar and we will again be working closely with SES for theshow in 2002, to include GVF workshops and the main conference.
As well as jointly organising such events, the GVF continues toendorse conferences and exhibitions run by specialists in the field,including Telexpo Brasil, Satellite 2002, China Satellite,Convergence India, SatCom Africa and many others.
A sampling GVF-supported Conferences and Meetings fromAugust 2000 to June 2001 is as follows:
Europe ET-SAG, SophiaBroadband 2000, ParisGVF Government Meetings, Satellite Russia, MoscowBroadband Via Satellite, AmsterdamSAP-REG Meeting, Brussels Sviaz, MoscowMediacast, LondonVSAT 2001, LondonJPT-SAT Meeting, BergenEU Legal Conference, Brussels Satellite Broadband Conference
M. E. & Africa African Telecoms & Broadcast, Sun CityGVF Africa VSAT Workshop, Sun CitySatcom World Africa, JohannesburgEU-COMESA Co-operation Week, LusakaCairo Telecomp, CairoGVF Africa VSAT Workshop, SatCom Africa, MidrandMiddle East Telecoms, DubaiArabsat Annual Meeting, Casablanca
Asia Rural Telephony 2000, New Delhi India Telecom, New DelhiChina Satellite 2000, ShenzhenITU Asia, Hong KongAPSCC, SeoulGVF China VSAT Workshop, HonoluluRegional Regulators’ Meeting, BhutanConvergence India, DelhiGVF Government Meetings, DelhiVSAT-Internet India, MumbaiCommunicAsia, SingaporeAsia Pacific Satellite Communication Conference, Singapore
Americas Telelink 2000, Sao PauloCITEL Regulatory Meeting, PanamaGVF Industry Dinner, Telexpo, Sao PauloGVF Conference Sessions, Satellite 2001, Washington DCSupercomm, AtlantaAmericom Global Meeting, San DiegoSatellite Internet Conference, ArlingtonCITEL PCCCIII Meeting, Ottawa
P RO M OT I O NA L P RO G R A M M E S
21
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2000Year to Year to
Note 31 Dec 00 31 Dec 99£ £
INCOME 2 297,947 261,026Administration expenses 268,742 205,523
OPERATING SURPLUS 3 29,205 55,503Interest Receivable 3,169 48
SURPLUS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 32,374 55,551Tax on surplus on ordinary activities 4 405 95
RETAINED SURPLUS FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD 31,969 55,456
BALANCE SHEET31 December 1999 Note 2000 1999
£ £ £ £FIXED ASSETSTangible assets 5 3,153 2,263
CURRENT ASSETSDebtors 6 325,133 71,031Cash at bank and in hand 213,417 51,828
_______ _______538,550 122,859
CREDITORS: Amounts falling duewithin one year 7 (433,967) (49,355)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 104,583 73,504
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 107,736 75,767
RESERVES 11Accumulated Surplus 107,736 75,767
_______MEMBERS' FUNDS 107,736 75,767
These summarised accounts were approved on 28th September 2001 on behalf of the directors byMR A.L. STIMSON
These accounts set out on pages 22-26 are a summary of information extracted from full accounts approved by the directors on 28 September 2001 which have been audited and submitted to theRegistrar of Companies (company number 3414971). These summarised accounts may not contain sufficient information to allow a full understanding of the financial affairs of the Global VSATForum. For further information, the full accounts, the auditors’ report and the directors’ report should be consulted. Copies of these can be obtained from Global VSAT Forum, Fountain Court, 2Victoria Square, Victoria Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3TF, UK.
GLOBAL VSAT FORUMSUMMARISED ACCOUNTSREVENUE ACCOUNT
22
GLOBAL VSAT FORUMSUMMARISED ACCOUNTS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
23
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2000
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accountingThe financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and inaccordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective March 2000).
IncomeThe income shown in the revenue account is the amount in respect of membership fees due for theyear ended 31 December 2000, exclusive of Value Added Tax.
DepreciationDepreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual valueover the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Equipment -331/3% straight line
Operating lease agreementsRentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks ofownership remain with the lessor are charged against surplus as incurred.
Foreign currenciesAssets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchangeruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling atthe rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transactions. Exchange differences are taken intoaccount in arriving at the operating surplus.
2. INCOME
The income and surplus before tax are attributed to the one principal activity of the company.
An analysis of income is given below:
Year to Year to31 Dec 00 31 Dec 99
£ £
United Kingdom 68,100 26,540Other EU Countries 64,471 47,771Rest of World 165,376 186,715
297,947 261,026
GLOBAL VSAT FORUMSUMMARISED ACCOUNTSNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
24
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2000
3. OPERATING SURPLUS
Operating surplus is stated after charging / (crediting):
Year to Year to31 Dec 00 31 Dec 99
£ £
Depreciation 2,444 1,332Auditors' fees 1,750 1,750Net (surplus)/deficit on foreign currency (2,222) (2,527)
4. TAX ON SURPLUS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
Year to Year to31 Dec 00 31 Dec 99
£ £In respect of the year:Corporation tax 405 95
5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETSEquipment
£COSTAt 1 January 2000 3,997Additions 3,334
At 31 December 2000 7,331
DEPRECIATIONAt 1 January 2000 1,734Charge for the year 2,444
At 31 December 2000 4,178
NET BOOK VALUEAt 31 December 2000 3,153
At 31 December 1999 2,263
GLOBAL VSAT FORUMSUMMARISED ACCOUNTS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
25
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2000
6. DEBTORS2000 1999
£ £
Trade Debtors 319,545 59,443VAT recoverable - 1,641Other debtors 4,228 8,664Prepayments and accrued income 1,360 1,283
325,133 71,031
7. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year2000 1999
£ £
Trade Creditors 6,802 1,600Other taxation and social security 17,090 16,924Other creditors 9,597 2,231Accruals and deferred income 400,478 28,600
433,967 49,355
8. COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
At 31 December 2000 the company had aggregate annual commitments under non-cancellableoperating leases as set out below.
2000 1999£ £
Operating leases which expire:Within 1 year 5,440 5,132
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
No ultimate controlling party has been identified.
Other than the payment of subscriptions, no other transactions with related parties wereundertaken such as are required to be disclosed under Financial Reporting Standard 8.
10. COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
Each member of the company has guaranteed to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
26
GLOBAL VSAT FORUMSUMMARISED ACCOUNTSNOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2000
11. RESERVES
Income andExpenditureAccount£
Opening balance 75,767Surplus for the year 31,969
Balance carried forward 107,736
12. STATUTORY AUDITED ACCOUNTS
These are not the company's statutory accounts for the period ended 31 December 2000. Thestatutory accounts for that period have been prepared and abbreviated accounts have beendelivered to the Registrar of Companies.
The company's auditors reported on the statutory accounts for the period and the audit report wasunqualified.
Global VSAT Forum2 Victoria SquareVictoria Street
St.AlbansHertfordshire
AL1 3TFUnited Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1727 884739, 513Fax: +44 (0)1727 884839
E-mail: [email protected]@gvf.orgWebsite: www.gvf.org