MSSA Joins CITEL as Associate Member

The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) has announced its new Associate Membership in the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL). MSSA will participate in CITEL’s Permanent Consultative Committees, PCC.I (Telecommunications/ICT) and PCC.II (Radiocommunications), reinforcing its commitment to advancing regulatory engagement and innovation in the satellite and telecommunications sectors across the Americas.

By joining CITEL as an Associate Member, MSSA gains a valuable platform to engage with regional and international stakeholders on critical telecommunications policy issues, including those related to satellite direct-to-device (D2D) and Internet of Things (IoT) communications. Membership in PCC.I and PCC.II will enable MSSA to actively contribute to policy discussions that impact Mobile Satellite Services, further aligning its strategic priorities with regulatory developments across the region.

“This membership represents a significant step for MSSA as we work to strengthen our involvement in regulatory dialogues that shape the future of mobile satellite communications in the Americas,” stated Molly Gavin, Regulatory Committee Chair for MSSA and Vice President of International Regulatory and Spectrum Policy at Omnispace. “Our participation in CITEL’s PCC.I and PCC.II will support MSSA’s mission to enhance access to satellite services and drive advancements in telecommunications that benefit communities and industries alike.”

CITEL, an entity within the Organization of American States (OAS), brings together governmental and private entities to foster telecommunications development across the Americas. As part of its commitment to regulatory engagement, MSSA will participate in discussions addressing issues central to satellite and radiocommunications, working alongside CITEL member states and other associate members to advance initiatives and policies for the satellite industry.

The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) advances the development of direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity through an ecosystem of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) providers that are committed to seamlessly extending mobile coverage globally. Founding members Viasat, Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace and Space42 (formerly Yahsat) support a vision focused on facilitating the integration and evolution of terrestrial and satellite mobile networks to deliver scalable, sustainable, and affordable high-performance cellular-like services to any device, anytime, anywhere in the world.

To support this rapidly emerging market, the non-profit association will work to ensure MSS L- and S-band operators play a central role in facilitating the future of a robust and competitive D2D services market. Through the coordinated deployment of technical standards and enhancement of regulatory frameworks, the MSSA drives new initiatives to foster support for MSS-based services leveraging the 3GPP mobile standards.

The Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), which operates under Article 53 of the Organization of American States (OAS) Charter, is dedicated to promoting the comprehensive and sustainable development of telecommunications and information technologies (ICTs) across the Americas, with a focus on implementing innovative, reliable, and interoperable technologies while upholding principles of universal access, equity, and affordability, ultimately aiming to fully integrate the American states into the global information society for the benefit of all citizens in the region.