The Integral Satcom Initiative (ISI) is an industry-led action forum designed to bring together all aspects related to satellite communications. ISI addresses broadcasting, broadband, and mobile satellite communications, as well as their convergence, in integration within the global telecommunication network infrastructure. ISI supports all forms of space communication and space exploitation. ISI is a Technology Platform included in the seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Commission.

ISI is an open platform, whose membership embraces all relevant and interested private and public stakeholders. ISI intends to collaborate and cooperate with the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA), the EU and ESA Member States and Associated States, the National Space Agencies, International Organizations, User fora, and other European Technology Platforms. ISI fosters international cooperation under a global perspective.

ISI is determined to contribute significantly to several EU and ESA policies, in order to promote European industrial competitiveness, growth and employment in a sustainable way, in synergy with National priorities. Representative sectors of interest include ICT, Space, Security, Transport, Development, and Environment. Specific policy initiatives of interest include i2010, the European Space Policy, and in general all those initiatives which can benefit from the existence of an efficient satellite communications infrastructure, or which are aimed at the development of innovative satellite services and technologies.

Satellite communications constitute a strategic sector for Europe, with significant economic impact and high societal relevance. They are instrumental for European-wide and International broadcasting, mobile communications, broadband access, bridging the digital divide, safety, crisis management, disaster relief, and dual use applications. ISI works towards the convergence and integration of satellite and terrestrial networks,both fixed and mobile, considering all interworking and interoperability aspects.ISI supports the development of applications and services according to a user-centric approach, to enable all citizens to become full members of the knowledge-based society. ISI addresses the integration of satellite communications with navigation, Earth observation, and Air Traffic Management systems. Specific attention is devoted to Galileo and GMES. Data relay systems and the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are in the scope of ISI, as well. ISI shall be instrumental in achieving and maintaining European leadership and competitiveness in all of the above fields, fostering the entire industrial sector, and maximising the value of related research and technology development. ISI embodies the critical mass required to pursue the above objectives considering short term priorities, medium-term evolutions, and long-term strategic directions.

ISI contributes to the harmonization of the European and International regulatory framework for satellite communications, helping in the removal of barriers. ISI works for the allocation of sufficient spectrum for all satellite communication applications and services. ISI favours the consideration of a regulatory framework for complementary ground components (CGC). ISI promotes open standards and international standardization approaches. ISI fosters wide adoption of common standards to enlarge markets, reduce costs and tariffs, facilitate interoperability and roaming, and ensure fair competition for the benefit of citizens, user communities and governments.