[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3177-S3178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            SATELLITE REFORM

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, during the final days of the first 
session of the 105th Congress, I announced that I would engage in an 
effort to eliminate outdated regulations and foster competition in the 
global satellite market. Since that time, I have held several meetings 
with representatives from the industry. In addition, my staff has 
conducted a series of open briefings with the various parties currently 
competing in the market, as well as representatives from the White 
House, the State Department and the International Bureau of the Federal 
Communications Commission. These meetings have recently concluded, and 
I now plan to move forward legislatively on this critical issue.
  The international satellite market is poised for phenomenal growth as 
it looks to the 21st century. A mere 10 years ago there was only one 
service in place: Intelsat. Today a breathtaking array of services are 
either already in existence or planned to be launched in the near 
future. With this rapid transformation, it becomes clear that one day 
people everywhere from Bozeman, Montana, to Beijing, China, will send 
and receive telephone, video and data transmissions via satellite. The 
future of satellite communications is a future where opportunities are 
no longer limited by geography.
  Unfortunately, while the industry hopes to reach a new orbit, U.S. 
policy in this area is still being left on the launching pad. Not since 
Ronald Reagan deregulated the satellite market in 1984 have we taken 
steps to bring our policy more in line with the competitive pressures 
of today. As a result, many consumers both here and abroad have not 
been able to benefit from the increase in services or the lowering of 
prices that have resulted from President Reagan's vision.
  This is why I am going to use the upcoming recess to begin putting 
together a bill that will move U.S. satellite policy from the Stone Age 
to the Space Age. I intend to incorporate the views of all interested 
parties and I urge my colleagues to come to me with their ideas. I 
expect to have a bill completed and ready for introduction when we 
return later this month. I will hold a hearing in the Communications 
Subcommittee on the bill shortly after the Senate returns from the 
Easter recess. While I had originally planned to hold the hearing on 
April 22, I am moving the hearing date to April 29 to ensure that 
members have adequate time to give their insights and suggestions on 
this most important issue.
  As I indicated when I first took on this issue, there will be several 
principles that will help guide me along the way. Competition, 
deregulation, privatization and competitive neutrality are all 
principles that have helped drive past industries toward success. While 
the global satellite industry is somewhat different because we are 
dealing with sovereign nations around the world, there is no reason 
that the United States cannot take a strong position and lead by 
example. It was our leadership under the 1962 Satellite Act that gave 
this industry its beginning and it can be our leadership today that 
brings the industry firmly into the 21st century. In fact, Mr. 
President, we recently witnessed such U.S. leadership. Last week, the 
Intelsat assembly of parties approved the creation of a spinoff 
company. This effort was achieved through the hard work of the U.S. 
delegation and the 141 member nations of Intelsat. I believe this is a 
positive first step on the path to bringing boundless opportunities to 
folks all over the globe.
  I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in crafting legislation 
with the ultimate goal of encouraging competition in this industry. The 
rapid changes in technology and consumer behavior dictate that we act 
expeditiously. Market forces simply will not wait. I intend to work 
closely with my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to make sure that 
consumer interests are protected as we move forward on this vital 
issue.

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