INTELSAT was an association of nations that managed international satellite communications. It maintained the world’s largest network of communications satellites. This network enabled telephone messages, television signals, and other forms of communication to be sent worldwide almost instantly. Because of INTELSAT, television viewers were first able to see the Olympic Games and other special events as they happened.
INTELSAT developed from international conferences held at the invitation of United States President John F. Kennedy. In 1961, Kennedy asked all nations to join the United States in forming an alliance to develop the potential of communications satellites. The organization was established in 1964 as the International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium. It began with 11 member nations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of the countries of Western Europe. In 1965, it launched its first satellite, Early Bird. INTELSAT changed the last word of its name from Consortium to Organization in 1973.
INTELSAT increased in membership, and its satellites increased dramatically in size and capacity. In 2000, the governments of the 144 member countries agreed to privatize the organization in 2001. The initial investors in the new corporation, Intelsat, Ltd., were major telecommunications companies from those member countries. In 2006, Intelsat acquired another major satellite firm, PanAmSat Holding Corporation. Today, Intelsat is one of the world’s largest providers of communications satellite services. It has corporate headquarters in Luxembourg and operating headquarters in Washington, D.C.
