TNAG-2857-FCO40-4110-Satellite-Licensing-and-Asia-Satellite-Telecommunications-Co-1993 — Page 52

DDE 18-77

Mr Gibson

FED

ра

Satellite

From:

Reference broadcasting

Clare Losty

ESED

Date:

14 May 1993

HICC 1921)

c.c.:

Mr Norton, SPD

Mr Bunten, HKD

Mr Flear, SPD

Mr Sherrington,

FED

Ms Sweid, NAD

Mr Musgrave,

LAD

Mr Davies, DTI

ORION ASIA PACIFIC SATELLITES

1.

We spoke earlier today about the request from the US company, Orion, that the UK join the US in an Advance Notification to the International Telecommunication Union

(ITU) to reserve orbital slots and frequencies for Orion's subsidiary, Asia Pacific Space and Communications Ltd (APSC). The control and operations centre for APSC's proposed satellite system would be based in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), who would initiate the notification to the ITU. (See attached papers).

2.

The DTI argue that the UK should agree to Orion's request, on the grounds that British Aerospace is in a position to manufacture the satellites.

3. However, as we discussed, the countries covered by the satellite system may object to APSC providing

telecommunications services. I seem to remember that Korea in particular was unhappy last year about the broadcasting of Hong Kong's Star TV into the country. Other countries involved including Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and Mexico may also have concerns about APSC's activities.

If so, British commercial interests could in fact suffer in those countries.

•

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I have explained to the DTI that, in order to investigate these concerns fully, we would need an extension of their deadline. I would be grateful for your comments and those from sections responsible for areas in the satellite system's catchment area by c.o.b. on Tuesday 18 if possible.

Clare Nost

Clare Losty 4M/204

210-0441

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