GVF, as the international satellite industry’s non-profit association, has created a capacity-building programme that aims to serve the entire spectrum of communications stakeholders worldwide. GVF has developed the following offerings, each of which aims to facilitate the communications community’s provision, use and/or regulation of satellite-based solutions:

VSAT Installation The GVF VSAT Installation and Maintenance Training Course is an intensive program created to serve as the global industry standard for installers of bi-directional satellite earth stations. It was established by a consensus of expert volunteers serving in the GVF Education & Training Working Group (E&TWG), whose mission is to identify, formulate and share knowledge that is beneficial to the satellite industry, its shareholders and stakeholders. The Course is offered in three levels of increasing complexity and culminates with a hands-on skills test.  The Level 1 course introduces the technology of VSAT communications; it also serves as a solid introductory training course for all staff and professionals in the satellite industry.  The Level 2 course thoroughly covers the fundamentals that all VSAT field technicians should know, including cross-pol and accurate dish pointing. Two varieties of Level 3 training are now offered, with more to come: Level 3S:  Advanced/SCPC VSAT installation.  This course is currently offered in a classroom setting only.  Students who complete this course, as well as the Level 1 and 2 courses, are awarded a GVF Advanced VSAT Installer Certification and may posted in the GVF’s Global VSAT Installer Database. Level 3i:  GVF-iDirect Remoter Terminal Installation.  This course is offered on-line in an interactive, animated environment.  Students who complete this course, as well as the Level 1 and 2 courses and the Hands On Skills Test, are awarded a GVF iDirect Remote Terminal Installer Certification and may posted in the GVF’s Global VSAT Installer Database. Further Level 3 courses are planned for 2007. For more information, please browse the GVF Training Portal and feel free to contact us at gvfsupport@satprof.com . View and register for all available on-line and on-site classes at the GVF Training Portal. Now available: online training You can now take your Level1, Level 2, and Level 3i courses, and register for Level 3S classes, online via the Internet at the GVF Training Portal.  Take the free tour!   Satellite Business GVF has developed a course for professionals who are engaged in or are thinking about starting a satellite communications business. The content is not highly technical, although business-relevant technical issues are covered in outline. Delegates include investors and business principals; management from marketing, sales, customer care, and implementation; financial and administrative management; government; telecommunications planners / management; non-government organisations; donor agencies; and anyone else interested in businesses which will rely on satellite technology.   Satellite Technology This is an academic course developed in Conjunction with York University. It is technical and is designed for under-graduate, post-graduate and professional engineers interested in satellite communications systems. This course is typically delivered in an academic setting, or for small, medium and large organizations private-sector companies, governments, etc.) that have a strong interest in expanding the technical ability of their staff.   Satellite Regulation & Policy This capacity-building program is provided to governmental and inter-governmental officials, and other entities involved in regulation and policy. Delegates include regulators and policy makers, as well as officials from ministries and telcos, law firms, consultants, and others involved in establishing or facilitating satellite-related regulation and policy.   Introduction to Satellite Communications This course is designed for professionals who are new to satellite communications, specifically sales, marketing and administration professionals who need a basic understanding of all aspects of satellite communications. This one-day course is typically held in conjunction with major conferences and exhibitions in every region of the world.   SBCA – DBS Installation The SBCA National Standards and Testing Program is a program where satellite service equipment installers are tested to certify that they have taken the necessary course work/training to pass standardized testing developed by the SBCA and industry leaders. Certification is a continuous process of training and testing, where installers can gain higher levels of certification through additional testing. Certification is valid for two years, after which the installer must be re-certified.