[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTELSAT WORKING PARTY'S RECOMMENDATION TO SPIN OFF A PRIVATE COMPANY

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to offer my 
congratulations to the INTELSAT Working Party, which recently met here 
in Washington, DC, and finalized its recommendations concerning the 
spin-off of a private entity from this inter-governmental treaty 
organization to compete in the global satellite communications 
marketplace. These recommendations, which must be ratified by the 142 
Member-Nations of INTELSAT in the coming weeks, were made in 
consultation with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department 
of State, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Communications 
Commission, and the White House. With that many cooks in the kitchen, 
it's astounding that any agreement was reached. This is a landmark 
achievement which deserves our applause.
  I view this agreement as a significant and positive first step in the 
process of this intergovernmental treaty organization. As many of my 
colleagues are probably aware, I am presently working with Members of 
the Commerce Committee to craft legislation that will foster a 
competitive environment in the vibrant industry of satellite 
communications. I have already conducted a hearing on this matter 
before the Subcommittee on Communications and have another scheduled to 
take place in April. Furthermore, over the past several months, I, 
along with my colleagues in the Senate, have met with a wide range of 
domestic and international satellite communications companies, 
including representatives from several Member Nations of INTELSAT. 
Sometime prior to the upcoming hearing, we will introduce legislation 
which will create a more competitive marketplace where consumers 
worldwide will reap the benefits of enhanced communications services at 
reduced costs. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the 
House, specifically, Chairman Bliley, Representative Markey, Chairman 
Tauzin and others, to arrive at the most constructive legislation.
  Until that time, I encourage my colleagues to keep an open mind as we 
move forward to resolving this very difficult issue. Once again, I want 
to offer my congratulations to INTELSAT for taking this important first 
step toward privatization. I will be watching the discussion in Brazil 
with great interest, and I hope that the Working Party's recommendation 
with respect to the spin-off are adopted, so that we will soon see the 
consumer benefits from another competitor in the private 
marketplace.

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