PRESS RELEASE

The Fourteenth Tripartite Meeting of the Heads of the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTELSAT IGO), the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) and the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) took place on 19 October 2023 at IMSO Headquarters based in the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) building in London, United Kingdom. Hosted by IMSO Director General, Mr. Laurent Parenté the meeting was arranged to discuss collaborative measures in global satellite telecommunications oversight and was attended by Mr. Piotr Dmochowski-Lipski, Executive Secretary, EUTELSAT IGO and Mr. Patrick Masambu, Director General & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ITSO. 

The Heads of the Organizations focused their discussion on key issues pertaining to the effective, reliable and meaningful operation of their intergovernmental Organization with a view to strengthening their oversight mission over their strategic satellite communication companies. Cognizant that these companies are confronted to an ever changing and highly competitive market, the Heads engaged in constructive dialogues centred on the importance of safeguarding the primary mission of the companies they oversee on behalf of their Member States. 

The three Heads expressed their collective dedication to ensuring the continued growth and stability of the global telecommunications sector, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation and coordination between international organizations. Currently, the satellite telecommunication industry is in the process of significant changes, due to the advent of new technologies (GEO-LEO-based solutions) as well as ownership changes and corporate consolidations. The three Organizations will continue their diligent and committed activities aimed at ensuring coverage and connectivity as well as securing public interest served by operators. 

Furthermore, the IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Kitack Lim met the three Heads and expressed his support for the work of the three Organizations, noting that they play a crucial role in the maritime industry by ensuring reliable and efficient connectivity at sea. 

The role of intergovernmental organizations like EUTELSAT IGO, IMSO and ITSO in oversight of satellite communications is more vital than ever as it ensures that satellite communication activitiesadhere to international regulations, standards, and protocols, promoting fair and equitable access for all stakeholders. The Organizations monitor and enforce safety measures, contributing to the reliability and security of satellite communication services, particularly in critical sectors including maritime communication and emergency response. 

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About EUTELSAT IGO
EUTELSAT IGO is the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization. Established by an international treaty, the intergovernmental organisation is headquartered in Paris and comprises 49 Member States. Its primary mission is to ensure that the company Eutelsat S.A. complies with the Basic Principles of the EUTELSAT Amended Convention. It also ensures continuity of the rights to use radiofrequencies and orbital locations which were assigned collectively to the Member States and the Organization by the International Telecommunication Union. EUTELSAT IGO is an active contributing member of the international telecommunications and space communities.
For more information, visit www.eutelsatigo.int

About IMSO
IMSO (The International Mobile Satellite Organization) is the intergovernmental organization which oversees certain public satellite safety and security communication services provided via the Inmarsat satellites and also co-ordinates the System for the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of ships (LRIT). IMSO is established under the provisions of the Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization which also defines the public services, such as satellite services for the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS), which is subject to international oversight. Headquartered in London, UK, IMSO currently has 98 Member States.
For more information, visit www.imso.org

About ITSO
ITSO is an intergovernmental organization with 149-member states, that incorporates the principle set forth in Resolution 1721 (XVI) of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which established that communication by means of satellite should be available to the nations of the world as soon as practicable on a global and non-discriminatory basis. Originally established in 1973 as INTELSAT, the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization was restructured in 2001. The restructuring led to the creation of a private entity, Intelsat S.A. and to the continuation of the intergovernmental organization with a new acronym (ITSO). ITSO’s mission is to monitor the performance of Intelsat’s public service obligations and to safeguard the Parties’ Common Heritage.
For more information, visit www.itso.int