[SatNews] GVF has successfully kicked-off of the Maritime Satcom Forum, a new group dedicated to promoting the growth of satellite communications in the maritime industry.

During the group’s first meeting at the Comsys VSAT 2010 Conference in London, members determined initial priorities including education, outreach and regulatory issues. The Maritime Satcom Forum’s first meeting was well-attended by leading maritime service providers including GE Satcom, Intelsat, MTN, Orange Business Services, Schlumburger and SpeedCast Limited, as well as satellite technology providers iDirect, Hughes and Inmarsat. Following extensive discussion among meeting participants, the group determined its initial priorities in several categories. Among the most important was driving greater end-user education by highlighting emerging maritime VSAT applications, network types and service plans, and key considerations for each, supplemented with training course development and case studies. The group will also focus on increasing outreach to maritime companies through strategic relations with industry associations and events, and heightening VSAT awareness with ongoing initiatives like public relations and online resources. The forum also plans to give immediate attention to regulatory issues and equipment standards.

“The strong attendance at the Maritime Satcom Forum’s first official meeting demonstrates the commitment of satellite manufacturers and service providers in fostering greater awareness of the need for satellite communications in maturing industries such as maritime,” said David Hartshorn, the secretary general of GVF. “Our first meeting was very productive in solidifying the group’s mission and identifying top priorities for the coming months.” The Maritime Satcom Forum’s next meeting will take place during the Offshore Communications conference in Houston, Texas, from November 2nd through 4th. For more information or to RSVP to the meeting, please contact david.hartshorn@gvf.org.