The Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) was one of the GVF’s very first volunteer working groups, formed to reduce both interference and the cost of type approving antennas. In 1999 I volunteered to lead that group – unaware of the Dave Hartshorn whirlwind I had leaped into! It was such a privilege to work with dozens of excellent colleagues from across the industry and around the world to hammer out the first of many MRA standards.
I am honoured to have served as Chairman of the GVF for the past 15 years, a brief moment in cosmic time – yet a significant period during which the satellite industry became a mainstream part of the exploding consumer internet marketplace. Indeed, in the mid-2000’s broadband satellite technology was still in its infancy and the business case for consumer services was considered by many to be highly risky if not downright foolish.
Many great things start small, like a spark… like GVF. The fire broke out during a conference session where the talk turned to how difficult regulatory conditions were for VSAT service providers. Long-time industry player Jack Buechler had heard enough. He raised his hand and challenged those in attendance to form an association to advocate together for improved conditions. Strength in numbers!
I am incredibly proud of all that been achieved since those early days 25+ years ago, and immensely honoured to have had the opportunity to make a modest contribution to that success.