Daniel Inouye: “today I introduce the Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act of 1997. This bill amends the…”

“today I introduce the Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act of 1997. This bill amends the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 in order to promote full competition in the global satellite communication services market by fully privatizing satellite communications. It is my intention that the introduction of this bill in the Senate will spur debate on this important issue. It is my goal to work with all of my colleagues and all other interested parties to address the issues presented in this bill. In 1962, the United States and other countries around the world recognized the increasingly important role the new and emerging satellite technology could play in facilitating worldwide communications. In enacting the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, Congress sought to improve the global communications network by implementing a global, commercial communications satellite system, expeditiously. INTELSAT, Inmarsat, and Comsat emerged as the network that would connect Americans to countries throughout the world. INTELSATE, Inmarsat, and Comsat have undoubtedly fulfilled their missions and have provided us with valuable services. Through their communications network, they have connected us whether we are on land or on water, by voice, video, and data transmissions, and across continents. They have also played a pivotal role in pioneering the delivery of satellite communications.”