Satellite communications and the public interest: IMSO attends ITSO’s 42nd Assembly of Parties

The growing reliance on satellite communications gives renewed importance to the industry’s public service commitments. This was the central message of IMSO Director General Laurent Parenté’s address as a guest speaker at the 42nd Assembly of Parties of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), which brings together 149 Parties.

ITSO, EUTELSAT IGO and IMSO share a history rooted in international cooperation. States created their predecessor organisations to meet collective communications needs. When commercial operations passed to private companies, specific public interest commitments remained, supported by intergovernmental oversight.

At sea, these commitments help protect human life. IMSO oversees the satellite services recognised within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, ensuring that ships can rely on essential distress and safety communications. Ashore, satellite connectivity supports remote schools, healthcare, banking and emergency response, particularly where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

New technologies are extending access, while raising questions about continuity, affordability and responsibility towards users. The public service principles that shaped the sector must remain part of its development. As dependence on satellite communications grows, preserving those principles becomes more important.