Satellite Operators Resolve to Strengthen the Integrity of Satellite Operations by Ensuring Use of GVF’s ‘SOMAP Compliant’ Mobile and Fixed Antennas
July 25, 2017
ISLE OF MAN – The Space Data Association (SDA), an international association of the world’s leading satellite operators, has announced its endorsement of the Satellite Operator’s Minimum Antenna Performance Requirements (SOMAP), established recently for satellite ground stations through the Global VSAT Forum (GVF).
SDA’s support for the SOMAP specification is the latest indication of the satellite industry’s strong commitment to ensure the acceptable performance of increasingly popular “Comms-On-The-Move” (COTM) mobile broadband systems, and other state-of-the-art satellite communications terminals.
“With the innovation being applied to satellite systems today, effective antenna performance has never been more critical,” said Mark Dickinson, Chairman of the SDA. “It is important for satellite operators to stand in support of the SOMAP specifications, which ensure an industry-wide antenna qualification framework through an agreed minimum testing regime and a clear understanding of the capabilities of antenna systems.”
“We commend SDA for its leadership,” said David Hartshorn, Secretary General of GVF. “Its Members’ support for SOMAP will enable the global industry – not only satellite operators but also the antenna manufacturers – to minimize interference and provide end users with the high standards of service that they have come to expect.”
The SOMAP framework is intended to minimize interference by addressing the qualification of new antenna products that will be introduced to the market as of 1 September 2018. SOMAP will be complementary to the existing standards originating from ITU, FCC and ETSI and the existing minimum performance requirements of the individual operators. All participating satellite operators – including all others that are being invited to join the initiative – will be seeking the same level of information from antenna manufacturers.
The Minimum Antenna Performance Specification can be seen at www.gvf.org.
About SDA
The Space Data Association (SDA) is a formal, non-profit association of satellite operators that supports the controlled, reliable and efficient sharing of data that is critical to the safety and integrity of satellite operations. The SDA’s charter is to seek and facilitate improvements in the safety and integrity of satellite operations through wider and improved coordination among satellite operators and to facilitate improved management of the shared resources of the space environment and the RF spectrum. For more information visit www.spacedata.org.
Contact:
Helen Weedon
Radical Moves PR
+44 1570 434632
helen@radicalmovespr.co.uk
About GVF
The Global VSAT Forum (GVF) is a non-profit association for satellite operators, satellite network operators, teleports, satellite earth station manufacturers, value added service providers, telecom carriers, and users. As part of its mission to facilitate improved access to satellite communications, the organisation coordinates the development and use of satellite communications antenna specifications, testing, and type approvals. For more information visit www.gvf.org.
Contact:
Colin Robinson
Chairman, GVF MRA Working Group
+1 828 396 7353
David Hartshorn
Secretary General
+1 202 390 1885