Satellite Operators expand their voice to rt satellite role in Future Communications Ecosystem

Satellite Operators expand their voice to assert satellite role in Future Communications Ecosystem Washington, 16th March 2015 - Chief Executives of the world's leading satellite operators met today in Washington at the Satellite 2015 Conference to announce that ESOA, the world's only CEO-driven satellite organisation, is expanding to include satellite operators from the ITU's region 1, namely Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The move highlights the importance the sector's executives attach to leading a coordinated and impactful response to the global challenges and opportunities it faces.

Adapting to new trends

ESOA Board members are conscious of two important trends in telecommunications: increased demand for rich media video content and increased take-up of mobile data services. Both trends are heading towards unmanageable congestion for networks that will result in massive user delays, poor quality content and a more critical digital divide than exists today. These developments are also happening against a backdrop of increased vulnerability of terrestrial fixed infrastructure.

Playing a vital role in tomorrow's digital infrastructure

Satellite operators transmit thousands of HDTV channels, are pioneering Ultra High Definition broadcasting and facilitating backhaul and mobility services across hundreds of countries. Though often invisible, satellite technology is an essential enabler, with unique qualities of reach, resilience and capacity that must play its role in future digital infrastructure. Only then will users truly benefit from the choice and quality they demand, and policymakers truly achieve an inclusive society that can rely on always-on technology that is immediately available. The emerging debate on 5G presents an important opportunity for policymakers to get it right: control costs, add reach and create truly converged ecosystems.

Leading the charge to protect spectrum

The geographic expansion of ESOA is also in response to the overwhelming push on satellite operators to combine their efforts and lead the charge to protect highly sought-after spectrum and retain their place as high value contributors to digital markets.

Michel de Rosen, ESOA Chairman, and CEO of Eutelsat, said: The issues our industry faces matter for the hundreds of millions of people who benefit from our services. We will better secure the future of our sector in the connected world by coming together in a broader forum to define a shared vision and work together to make it a reality. Preserving access to our spectrum at WRC15 is currently our number one priority and a goal shared by all satellite operators. We will have a louder voice by joining forces to ensure our users don't lose out and our massive investments are not in vain.

The EMEA Satellite Operators Association now counts among its members: Airbus CIS, Amos Spacecom, Arabsat, Avanti, Azercosmos, Es'hailSat, Eutelsat, HellasSat, Hispasat, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Nigcomsat, Nilesat, O3B, SES, Telenor, Telespazio, Thuraya, Turksat, and Yahsat as well as representatives of the broader space industry including Airbus Space Systems, Asitel, ASIC, Brit, Bulsatcom, Hiscox, Mansat, Marsh, Munich Re, Newtec, Solaris, Swiss re and Thales Alenia Space.

Contact: Aarti Holla sg@esoa.net +32 (0)2 550 3575

www.esoa.net

About ESOA

ESOA is a Brussels-based trade association whose membership brings together all European, Middle-East and African satellite operators and supporting members including service providers, manufacturers and launch service providers. Set up in 2002, the association's mission is to provide a unified voice and a platform for collaboration for satellite operators to ensure the continued success of the sector and to broaden the opportunities for policymakers to leverage satellite services to fulfil their objectives.

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