§763d Encouraging Market Access and Privatization

Summary

Within 180 days after March 17, 2000, the Secretary of Commerce must send the Federal Communications Commission two lists. One list names INTELSAT and Inmarsat member countries that are not in the World Trade Organization and that block private satellite companies from entering their markets. The other list names those same non‑WTO members that do not support pro‑competitive privatization of INTELSAT and Inmarsat. The Secretary must work with the FCC, the Secretary of State, and the U.S. Trade Representative and look at a country’s actions everywhere, including the Assemblies of Parties. The FCC may make rules that stop U.S. carriers from paying more than a settlement rate based on actual costs to foreign carriers in countries on those lists, even if the foreign carrier charges more or a transition period would apply. The FCC must also push for cost‑based settlements when it sets rates and in international telecom meetings, including with INTELSAT and Inmarsat parties.