Title: Issues in international telecommunications : government regulation of Comsat /
Authors: Johnson, Leland L.; Rand Corporation.
Publisher: Rand,
Year: 1987
Subjects: Communications Satellite Corporation.; International Telecommunications Satellite Organization.; Telecommunication systems.; Artificial satellites in telecommunication Government policy United States.; Artificial satellites in telecommunication Law and legislation United States; Artificial satellites in telecommunication United States.
Abstract: "The question of government regulation of the Communications Satellite Corporation (Comsat) is paramount because of Comsat's market power in providing international satellite circuits to U.S. users. Comsat is the monopoly supplier of INTELSAT international satellite links. However, Comsat's satellite monopoly does not translate into a full monopoly of U.S.-overseas communications links, since undersea cable is a substitute. Taking into account advances in cable technology, and especially the introduction of fiber optics, Comsat's market power is being eroded and government regulation is becoming less important. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposes circuit-loading restrictions that force AT & T to use a greater number of satellite circuits, essentially guaranteeing Comsat a portion of AT & T's traffic. This report discusses the history of the FCC's attempt to regulate Comsat, assesses FCC actions to reduce Comsat's market power, and evaluates the past effects of and future needs for such regulation."--Rand Abstracts.