UNCLASSIFIED
ROUTINE
direct access to the system (BT is the sole UK signatory).
Following pressure from a number of countries, including the UK,
INTELSAT has now agreed new arrangements under which
non-signatory operators will be allowed to deal directly with
INTELSAT for the satellite capacity they need. For affected
Dependent Territories, this means that their local operator, C&W, will have more freedom and flexibility, greater control over its
satellite capacity, and will no longer have to depend on the
decisions of a UK-based company which may have no direct interest
in the telecommunications needs of the area.
4. The new arrangements require that a non-signatory in any
•
country wishing to access INTELSAT capacity directly must be
authorised to do so by its national signatory. In addition, the
relevant authority of the administration in that country must undertake to assume responsibility for the proper operation of
the non-signatory operator's satellite earth stations. This
means that the administration would be willing and able to shut
down any earth station which is identified by INTELSAT as being
mis-operated and thereby causing interference or damage to the
satellite system. However, such action (if necessary) would not
(not) carry any financial liability for the national
administration. It should also be noted that the need for such
action is highly unlikely in practice.
5. C&W has informed us that it wishes to take full advantage of
the new arrangements in all the regions in which it operates.
Grateful therefore if you could advise by c.o.b. 10 December
whether (i) appropriate mechanisms currently exist within your
territory to enable the closure of a transmitting earth station,
if so requested, and (ii) your host authorities would, in
principle, be willing to enforce such a closure.
HURD