The Global VSAT Forum (GVF) said the international satellite sector has launched an initiative seeking to streamline earth station-type approvals procedures through the endorsement of a global standard and the expansion of an industry authorized network of testing entities. The industry organization said the demand for type approvals has risen with the demand for satellite-based systems and services.

“The private and public sectors have both demonstrated a strong interest in streamlining the type-approval process,” Global VSAT Forum Secretary General David Hartshorn said in a prepared statement. “GVF already has established a network of test entities and a standardized test procedure. The time is right to take it to the next level.”