Western and Eastern Europe
The 43 European governments of the Conference Europeene Posts et Telecommuniations (CEPT) have agreed to establish an Information Bank that now includes VSAT-licensing data for approximately half of those countries. The database is located at www.eto.dk At the homepage, click on "OSS Satellite", and then click on "Search".

The European site also includes a "Combined Application Form" function. This feature - which is partially implemented - enables a VSAT-license applicant to apply for licenses in more than one European country using a combined electronic application form. All of the countries of the European Union have now agreed to participate in this program, as well as a number of non-EU countries.

To begin taking advantage of this useful tool, go to www.eto.dk, click on "OSS Satellite", and then click on "User login" or "View-only CAF".

Members may refer to the Global VSAT Forum Regulatory Database *

The European Space Agency has developed an online service that provides end users with a basic knowledge and understanding about European regulations and licences that apply to the use of VSAT end-user terminals. In this service - which includes VSAT regulatory data updated every three months - you will find:

• A generic introduction to the issue of radio licensing for end-user satellite communications: why, what, who and how;
• A basic introduction on the policy of deregulation in Europe;
• A resource for end-users on how to deal with regulations and licences, containing country and case specific licensing information (when applicable) for all European Union and some other European countries;
• A glossary that explains technology or specialist terms.

South, Central and North America
The countries of the Americas region have developed a VSAT licensing access point that includes the regulatory requirements for nearly 20 administrations in the region. The database, which is administered by the member states of the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL), can be seen at http://citel.oas.org/pcc3_old/vsat/vsat_information_of_licensing.asp

Meanwhile, consideration is being given by CITEL - again, with strong support from the Global VSAT Forum - to expand upon the licensing access point and develop a One Stop Shop capability that would promote harmonization throughout the region.

Members may refer to the Global VSAT Forum Regulatory Database *

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) has begun to develop a regional licensing access point. A half-dozen regulatory administrations have established hotlinks from this central location, and discussions are underway regarding a potential access point satellite licensing information.

To see the APT facility, go to www.aptsec.org and refer to "Topical Issues" on the left-hand side of the homepage. Click on "Regulatory", go to "Category Links" on the left-hand side of the page and click on "Licensing".

Members may refer to the Global VSAT Forum Regulatory Database *

Africa

While there is currently no central access point for data related to this region, an important potential step was taken recently when an African regulators' association was formed. Called the "African Telecommunication Regulators' Network", the organization's permanent secretariat will be located at the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (ANRT) of Morocco.

The Global VSAT Forum is in contact with the new group and encourages them to establish web-based access to VSAT licensing data for the region.

Members may refer to the Global VSAT Forum Regulatory Database *

Middle East

Members may refer to the Global VSAT Forum Regulatory Database *

Oceania

Members may refer to the Global VSAT Forum Regulatory Database *