TNAG-2857-FCO40-4110-Satellite-Licensing-and-Asia-Satellite-Telecommunications-Co-1993 — Page 59

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Of course, there are satellite telecommunications systems which cover the Pacific Rim but they are provided either by Intelsat with its global focus, or are national systems, such as the Japanese and Australian, which have to have their own requirements as over-riding primary design aims. Indeed, a system owned by one national entity but designed to provide services outside its national boundaries, could be seen by small Pacific nations as an attempt to control their business infrastructures to an unacceptable degree.

Technically, a satellite system to cover the Pacific Rim effectively needs to be designed to serve scattered communities across the widest ocean in the world. The primary system design aim has to be to allow many inexpensive earth stations to work together over very large distances. The telecommunications traffic is fragmented by comparison with other ocean regions and there are few "heavy" routes, as there are in the Atlantic region. The optimum design of satellite in these circumstances is very different from that required for other regions of the world.

Asia Pacific Space & Communications Ltd., (APSC) has been making plans for several years to provide a satellite telecommunications system tailored to provide an effective service to the Pacific Ocean Region including the Pacific Rim area. There have been inevitable delays whilst the effect of the world recession on the project have been assessed. However, with business confidence returning to financial markets, APSC is now ready to start the process of gaining formal approval for radio frequencies to operate the system. The first step is to make an Application to the International Frequency Registration Board (IFRB) in Geneva for Advanced Publication of a Satellite System in accordance with Article 11 of the Radio Regulations of that organisation. (see Appendix 4).

Why the UK should be associated with a group of nations supporting the application

In keeping with the co-operative nature of the venture, APSC has sought the widest formal support for the system. After careful consideration, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has agreed to make the lead application to the IFRB which will be processed by the USA through an agreement with RMI. In addition, Canada wishes to be associated with the application and APSC would like UK also to be part of the group making the application for Advance Publication.

The UK is widely regarded as a major player in world telecommunications and a firm upholder of the ideals embodied in the concept of the commonwealth of nations. The application by a group of countries is wholly appropriate in the circumstances outlined above, particularly with regard to the need to guard against any one nation being perceived as a dominant force.

The UK has a record of close association with the Pacific area and is highly regarded for assisting and encouraging the independence of emerging nations. The British Commonwealth, a free association of sovereign independent states, includes Western Samoa, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands as well as Australia and Singapore in the Pacific Area. In addition, of course, Hong Kong remains a direct UK Government responsibility until 1997 and Pitcairn Island for the foreseeable future. British involvement in the application to the IFRB is likely to be welcomed by the countries in the coverage area. (See Appendix 1)

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APSC