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Satnews Daily
July 25th, 2017

Space Data Association's Maximum Endorsement of GVF's Minimum Antenna Requirements


The Global VSAT Forum (GVF) received a nod of approval from the Space Data Association (SDA), an international association of the world’s leading satellite operators, with their endorsement of the Satellite Operator’s Minimum Antenna Performance Requirements (SOMAP), established recently for satellite ground stations through the Global VSAT Forum (GVF).  

SDA’s support for the SOMAP specification is the latest indication of the satellite industry’s strong commitment to ensure the acceptable performance of increasingly popular “Comms-On-The-Move” (COTM) mobile broadband systems, and other state-of-the-art satellite communications terminals.

Mark Dickinson, Chairman of the SDA said that with the innovation being applied to satellite systems today, effective antenna performance has never been more critical. It is important for satellite operators to stand in support of the SOMAP specifications, which ensure an industry-wide antenna qualification framework through an agreed minimum testing regime and a clear understanding of the capabilities of antenna systems.
 
David Hartshorn, Secretary General of GVF added that they commend SDA for its leadership. Its Members’ support for SOMAP will enable the global industry—not only satellite operators but also the antenna manufacturers—to minimize interference and provide end-users with the high standards of service that they have come to expect.
 
The SOMAP framework is intended to minimize interference by addressing the qualification of new antenna products that will be introduced to the market as of September 1, 2018. SOMAP will be complementary to the existing standards originating from ITU, FCC and ETSI and the existing minimum performance requirements of the individual operators. All participating satellite operators—including all others that are being invited to join the initiative—will be seeking the same level of information from antenna manufacturers.
 
The Minimum Antenna Performance Specification can be seen at.