36. |
After
consideration of the record in this proceeding and the records established in
response to the applications, we conclude that the establishment of separate
satellite systems will result in substantial benefits to users of international
satellite communications services. Separate systems will provide users with
special communications needs with currently unavailable means of packing and
transmitting information over satellite networks. In addition, separate systems
will stimulate technological innovation and service development, improve
network efficiencies, reduce user-costs, create new business and trade
opportunities. We further conclude that we can authorize separate systems
subject to the Presidential limitations as further developed in this order with
the reasonable assurance that INTELSAT will not incur significant economic
harm. In separate orders adopted today, we are conditionally granting three of
the applications that have been filed with the Commission and issuing
construction permits. Each authorization is conditioned on one or more foreign
authorities authorizing the use of the porposed system and entering into
consultation procedures with the United States under Article XIV(d) of the
INTELSAT Agreement to ensure technical compatibility and to avoid significant
economic harm. We will not issue licenses permitting the proposed systems to be
launched or begin operating until we have been informed by the Department of
States that the United States has fulfilled its international obligations. With
respect to the other two applications, we have found that the proposals do not
comply with certain provisions of the international Radio Regulations, and we
are therefore giving the applicants thirty days to modify their applications to
bring them into compliance. Upon satisfactory modifications, we will issue
construction permits with the same condition.
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