The establishment of ITSO.
ITSO is an Intergovernmental organization with 149 member states, that incorporates the principle set forth in Resolution 1721(XVI) of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which established that communication by means of satellite should be available to the nations of the world as soon as practicable on a global and non-discriminatory basis. Originally established in 1973 as INTELSAT, the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization was restructured in 2001. The restructuring resulted in the creation of a private entity, Intelsat Ltd., and to the continuation of the intergovernmental organization with a new acronym (ITSO). Since then, ITSO has been responsible for overseeing Intelsat’s compliance with its public service obligations—a role that now extends to SES, following SES acquisition of Intelsat in July 2025. ITSO’s mission is to ensure SES's successful performance of its public service obligations and to safeguard the Parties’ Common Heritage.
In accord with its mission, the Organization encourages the creation of a favorable technical and regulatory environment for commercial satellite communications. The Organization coordinates its actions with other intergovernmental organizations such as the ITU, regional telecommunications organizations, as well as telecommunications operators and their associations.
Effective from January 16th, 2017, the amended Article XII, Paragraph (c)(ii) of the ITSO Agreement ensures that if Intelsat or any future entity using the Common Heritage frequency assignments, waives such frequency assignment(s), uses such assignment(s) in ways other than those set forth in this Agreement, or declares bankruptcy, the Notifying Administrations shall authorize the use of such frequency assignment(s) only by entities that have signed a public services agreement, which will enable ITSO to ensure that the selected entities fulfill the Core Principles.
Signed: 20 August 1971
Entered into Force: 12 February 1973
Dr. Renata Brazil-David is the Director General of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO). She was elected at the organization’s Assembly of Parties meeting held in Washington, D.C in October 2024 and assumed the position of Director General of ITSO on July 18 2025
Dr. Renata Brazil-David is the Director General of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO). She was elected at the organization’s Assembly of Parties meeting held in Washington, D.C in October 2024 and assumed the position of Director General of ITSO on July 18 2025
Dr. Renata Brazil-David is the Director General of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO). She was elected at the organization’s Assembly of Parties meeting held in Washington, D.C in October 2024 and assumed the position of Director General of ITSO on July 18 2025
