Technologie i telekomunikacja · 5.11.1998

Direct Access to the INTELSAT System

The Commission is seeking comment on the legal, economic, and policy ramifications of permitting direct access to the INTELSAT system in the United States. Direct access to INTELSAT would enable U.S. carriers and users to obtain space segment capacity directly from INTELSAT rather than through Comsat, the U.S. Signatory to INTELSAT. The Commission tentatively concludes that the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 and the Communications Act give it discretion to permit U.S. carriers and users the option of obtaining contractual, or Level 3, direct access to the INTELSAT system. The Commission does not, however, reach tentative conclusions as to whether and under what circumstances the Commission may permit direct access. On this issue, the Commission is seeking comments on: What are the potential benefits of direct access?; what competitive concerns are raised by direct access?; how would direct access affect U.S. efforts to privatize INTELSAT?