[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 154 (Thursday, August 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45897-45898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13095]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 5488]


Meeting on Possible Mandate Expansion for the International 
Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)

    The Department of State announces a meeting to hear public views on 
issues related to the possible expansion of the mandate of the 
International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), to include new 
oversight and regulatory responsibilities that may affect U.S. and non-
U.S. mobile satellite services providers. The IMSO is convening an 
Assembly of Parties meeting September 25-29, 2006, for the member 
governments to: (1) Consider and act on proposals to amend the 
intergovernmental IMSO Convention (which has treaty status among most 
member governments) to expand the IMSO's scope of authority; and (2) 
elect a new Director of the Organization.

[[Page 45898]]

Presently, the IMSO's authority applies exclusively to Inmarsat plc. A 
proposal has been made to extend IMSO's oversight to include all mobile 
satellite service providers, specifically in the context of provision 
of capacity for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). 
Additionally, in the context of work that has been ongoing in the 
International Maritime Organization, the Parties will be asked to 
consider proposals to authorize IMSO to perform certain review and 
auditing functions for a new vessel ``Long Range Identification and 
Tracking'' system being developed for maritime security. Formal 
amendments to the Convention have been introduced by fifteen European 
countries so that ``[t]he Organization may assume any other functions 
or duties [related to mobile satellite services], subject to the 
decision of the Assembly.'' Prior to the Assembly meeting, the IMSO 
Advisory Committee will meet September 20-21, 2006, to consider, inter 
alia, a draft Public Services Agreement which satellite service 
providers would be required to sign before being allowed to provide 
services for the GMDSS. The Public Services Agreement would require the 
payment of new fees to the IMSO. Public views and advice are being 
sought well in advance of the IMSO Assembly and Advisory Committee 
meetings.
    Background documentation may be found on the Department's Web site: 
http://www.state.gov/e/eb/cip/imso.
    The Department of State's public meeting will take place on 
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the 
Department's Harry S. Truman headquarters building, 2201 C St., NW., 
Washington, DC. Please note that due to security considerations, 
parking in the vicinity of the building is extremely limited. Members 
of the public are encouraged to participate and join in discussions, 
subject to the discretion of the moderator. Persons wishing to make 
formal presentations should provide advance notice to the contact 
below. Time may be limited. Persons planning to attend this meeting 
should send the following data by fax to (202) 647-5957 or e-mail to 
[email protected] not later than 72 hours before the meeting: (1) Name of 
the meeting, (2) name of participant, (3) organizational affiliation, 
(4) date of birth, (5) citizenship, and (6) either Social Security or 
Passport number. A valid government issued photo ID must be presented 
to gain entrance to the Department of State.

    Dated: August 3, 2006.
Douglas May,
Director for Technology Policy, International Communications and 
Information Policy, Department of State.
 [FR Doc. E6-13095 Filed 8-9-06; 8:45 am]
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