The Satellite industry Association (SIA) was formed in April 1995 by several major U.S. satellite companies to discuss issues and develop industry-wide positions on shared business, regulatory and policy interests. SIA grew out of the Satellite Super skyway Coalition, a voluntary alliance of major satellite players, galvanized into action in early 1993 when the U.S. Government began advancing the idea of a Global Information Infrastructure (GII). The success of the coalition in defining the role of satellites in the GII strengthened ties between major industry players and sowed the seeds for SIA.

Since that time, SIA has developed into a full service 501(c)(6) trade association representing the U.S. commercial satellite industry. SIA has established active working group to look at a host of policy issues including: satellite licensing, spectrum allocation and regulation, launch policies, international trade and industry statistics. SIA now acts as the focal point for the U.S. satellite industry in Washington , D.C. through discussions with key policy makers at the White House, Federal Communication, State and Commerce Department and on Capitol Hill.