CONFIDENTIAL
2
space segment required for
telecommunications
services
international public
of high quality and
reliability to be available on a non-discriminatory basis.
to all areas of the world" (Agreement, Article III(a)).
The "space segment" is defined as "the telecommunications
satellites, and the tracking, telemetry, command, control,
monitoring and related facilities and equipment required
to support the operation of these satellites" (Agreement,
Article I(h)).
3.
A "Party" to the Agreement must be a State
(Agreement, Article I(E)). A "Signatory" to the Operating
Agreement must either be a Party or the telecommunications
entity designated by a Party (Agreement, Article I(g)).
4.
the Agreement
The United Kingdom is
Kingdom is a Party to the Agreement.
Its instrument of ratification was deposited on 16
February 1972. The Agreement contains no territorial
application provisions, and accordingly
applies to Hong Kong by virtue of the United Kingdom's
ratification. The UK originally designated the British
Post Office as its Signatory to the Operating Agreement in
accordance with Article II(b) of the Agreement. The
British Post Office later withdrew in accordance with
Article XVI (a) of the Agreement, and the UK designated
British Telecommunications plc (BT) as the UK Signatory in
accordance with Article XVI (f) of the Agreement.
A copy
of the designation is at Annex A.
The People's Republic