1 News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov 1 ******************** *********** ************* ************ NOTICE ********************** ********************** ************ This document was converted from WordPerfect or Word to ASCII Text format. Content from the original version of the document such as headers, footers, footnotes, endnotes, graphics, and page numbers will not show up in this text version. All text attributes such as bold, italic, underlining, etc. from the original document will not show up in this text version. Features of the original document layout such as columns, tables, line and letter spacing, pagination, and margins will not be preserved in the text version. If you need the complete document, download the WordPerfect version or Adobe Acrobat version, if available. ********************** ********************** ********************* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., SW Washington, D.C. 20554 DA 99-2844 International Bureau Announces Process for Providing Service Under Global International Section 214 Authorizations Using Approved Non-U.S.-Licensed Satellite Systems Listed on the Permitted Space Station List Released: December 17, 1999 The International Bureau announces its interpretation of its Exclusion List for International Section 214 Authorizations (Exclusion List) to conform to a recent Commission order streamlining rules relating to the use of non-U.S. licensed satellite systems. This action will reduce the regulatory burden on carriers seeking to provide international services using certain non-U.S.-licensed satellite systems by permitting the use of pre-approved satellites under global international Section 214 authorizations without the need to obtain separate authority for such non-U.S.-licensed satellites. The Commission developed the Exclusion List as a procedural mechanism to identify restrictions on providing common carrier service. The Exclusion List identifies those countries or facilities that are not included within the scope of a global Section 214 authorization. When a carrier seeks to use facilities or serve a country that is on the Exclusion List, the carrier must file a separate Section 214 application pursuant to Section 63.18(e)(4) of the Commission's rules. Currently, the Exclusion List prohibits carriers from using all non-U.S.-licensed satellite systems without obtaining a separate Section 214 authorization. The Commission, however, recently changed its rules regarding the use of non-U.S.-licensed satellite systems in the DISCO II Recon. proceeding. In the DISCO II Recon. Order, the Commission simplified the process by which authorized non-U.S.-licensed fixed satellites may serve the U.S. market. In particular, U.S. earth station operators with ALSAT licenses will be permitted to access a non-U.S.-licensed satellite to provide fixed-satellite service in the conventional C- or Ku-bands without further regulatory approval, once that non-U.S.-licensed satellite has been authorized to serve the United States. In light of the DISCO II Recon. proceeding, it is not necessary to require holders of global Section 214 authorizations to file for and obtain a separate Section 214 authorization for non-U.S.-licensed satellite systems that have been authorized to provide fixed-satellite service in the United States and placed on the Permitted Space Station List. Prior to placing a space station on the Permitted Space Station List, the Commission will conduct a proceeding that will provide parties notice and an opportunity to comment on any potential Title III or Section 214 issues raised by permitting operators with ALSAT licenses to access the non-U.S.-licensed satellite. Accordingly, we interpret the Exclusion List restriction for all non-U.S.-licensed satellite systems to refer only to non-U.S.-licensed satellite systems that are not listed on the Permitted Space Station List. This interpretation will avoid confusion, reduce regulatory burden, and ensure that the Exclusion List is consistent with the Commission's policies. This interpretation of the Exclusion List will become effective at the same time the rules adopted in the DISCO II Recon. proceeding become effective. Until that time, the Commission will continue to require that carriers wishing to use non-U.S.-licensed satellite systems must file a separate Section 214 application pursuant to Section 63.18(e)(4) of the Commission's rules. For further information, contact Lisa Choi, Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, (202) 418-1460, or Steven Spaeth, Satellite Division, International Bureau (202) 418-1539. - FCC -