GVF Launches Maritime Satcom Forum to Expand Deployment of Satellite Technology in the Maritime Industry

LONDON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- GVF, the leading non-profit association serving the satellite communications industry, today announced the formation of the Maritime Satcom Forum, a new group dedicated to promoting the growth of satellite communications in the maritime industry. The group's first meeting, sponsored by maritime satellite technology provider iDirect and service providers Orange Business Services and SpeedCast Limited, will be held at the upcoming Comsys VSAT 2010 Conference in London.

Comprised of maritime satellite service providers and technology manufacturers, the Maritime Satcom Forum aims to heighten awareness of satellite communications in the industry, strengthen advocacy efforts, expand delivery of training at the end-customer level and provide a single voice to help shipping companies understand the value of satellite services. The group's formation follows a five-year period of intense growth in the maritime sector during which demand for satellite technology has rapidly expanded. The forum will host meetings and events to provide members with opportunities to discuss key market trends and developments.

"We've seen remarkable growth in the demand for satellite communications onboard vessels," said Simon Bull, a Comsys satellite communications analyst who will Chair the newly-formed group's first meeting. "With so many shipping operators looking to convert their vessels into fully-connected mobile offices, there is a tremendous need to educate end users on the service levels, capabilities and benefits of VSAT technology."

"The Maritime Satcom Forum is just the first in a series of groups that will target specific verticals to drive greater awareness of satellite communications and ultimately accelerate its adoption," said David Hartshorn, the secretary general of GVF. "For us, the maritime industry was an obvious place to start because the need for satellite communications is immediate and the opportunity for providers is tremendous."    

The Maritime Satcom Forum's first official meeting will take place during this year's Comsys VSAT Conference on September 17, 2010 at 1 pm BST at the Waldorf Hotel in London. For more information or to RSVP to the meeting, please contact [email protected].

About GVF (www.gvf.org)

Formed in 1998, GVF is the non-profit international association of the satellite communications industry. The GVF consists of more than 230 members from 100 countries in every major region of the world, including satellite operators, manufacturers, network service providers, system integrators, carriers and other related organizations.  The Forum's primary objective is to promote the industry, serve as a focal point for all sectors of the communications community, deliver Certification, and facilitate improved market-access and regulatory conditions.

SOURCE GVF