TNAG-1926-FCO40-2742-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Sino-British-Joint-Liaison-Group-sub-gro-1989 — Page 40

- 6 -

12.

Hong Kong has so far not established a land earth

station (a radio station on land which utilises the

INMARSAT space segment). However, of the ships currently

registered in Hong Kong, 89 (as of March 1989) carry "ship

earth stations" (radio stations on ships which utilize the

INMARSAT space segment). When the amended Convention and

Operating Agreement come into force, it is expected that

some earth stations will be established in aircraft

registered in Hong Kong. Under the Operating Agreement

(Article XIV (1)), in order that earth stations may use the Organisation's space segment they must obtain the approval

of the Organisation. These developments illustrate the

growing importance to Hong Kong of the activities of the

Organisation.

13.

Agreement

By virtue of Article XIV (2) of the Operating

the application for approval of any earth

station on a Hong Kong registered ship must be submitted

to INMARSAT by the Party or Signatory of the Party under

whose authority that station is licensed. Prima facie

this means that such an application must be submitted

either by the UK or by BT. However with the concurrence

of the UK, BT and the INMARSAT Secretariat the Hong Kong

Telecommunications Authority (TA) began in November 1982

to act as

"routing organisation". In a document

entitled "Commissioning Procedures for INMARSAT Standard-A

Ship Earth Stations" published by INMARSAT under the

authority of the Council pursuant to Article 15(c) of the