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Separate Statement of Commissioner Harold W. Furchtgott-Roth

In re: Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Application of Comsat Corporation Petition Pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, for Forbearance from Dominant Carrier Regulation and for Reclassification as a Non-Dominant Carrier.



Today's action on Comsat's petition for forbearance is not the end of the story; there are other issues that the Commission must address. Accordingly, we have pledged to expeditiously initiate a proceeding on competitors' direct access to INTELSAT satellites. More importantly, we recognize that interrelated issues currently are being addressed by Congress. I look forward to receiving guidance from Congress in the coming months and, of course, to following any statutory direction given to us.

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