Industry representation

ASTRA - a voice for the satellite technology industry

SES ASTRA works extensively to ensure that international and national policies and regulations fully reflect the benefits of satellite communications. ASTRA is also active in ensuring that safety and compliance standards are fully aligned to the latest developments in transmission and reception.

Working on the world stages

International Telecommunications Union - SES ASTRA works closely with the ITU, in Geneva, on all orbital allocations and frequency usage matters. These issues are vital to the industry to maintain high-quality interference-free transmissions.

World Radio Conferences - ASTRA has an important role in these meetings to ensure that the ASTRA fleet has a secure regulatory status and that there are adequate spectrum resources for current and future operations.

European Institutions - SES has a dedicated team, based in Brussels, which collaborates closely with the European Parliament and European Commission as well as representatives of the 15 EU member countries in working to harmonise standards, policies and procedures.

They are joined by specialist engineers from SES ASTRA to develop solutions on issues such as frequency allocations, network licensing, research and development, space policy and other industrial matters.

European Satellite Operators Association - SES is a founding member of the ESOA, a non-profit organisation, to be based in Brussels. ESOA aims to represent the interests of European satellite operators at key European and international organisations. Learn more at www.esoa.net

Digital Video Broadcasting Consortium - ASTRA is an active member of the DVB, which has developed quality criteria and specifications for new digital technologies and services that have become de facto industry standards. These ensure reliable and compatible products are widely available to accelerate open market development and consumer take-up.

Other bodies - The SES team in Brussels also participates in:

  • Satellite Action Plan Regulatory Group
  • The European Conference of Post and Telecoms, which has 44 member countries
  • The European Commission's Technical Conformity and Market Surveillance Committee
  • The newly convened Radio Committee and High Level Spectrum Groups (if accepted).

Associations

  • BREMA
  • Confederation of Aerial Industries Limited
  • Digital Television Group
  • Deutscher Multimedia Verband
  • Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)
  • Global VSAT Forum
  • Independent Television Commission
  • Royal Television Society
  • RETRA
  • Europena Cable Communications Associations