Satellite compromise in works

Television Digest with Consumer Electronics, Jan 26, 1998

Tauzin's compromise was reported in Washington Post, but none of parties involved would confirm specifics. Comsat spokeswoman said company wants bill that addresses market access problems in other countries, not one that penalizes only Comsat. She said Congress should create incentives to open markets and impose penalties where they belong. FCC recently adopted rules designed to address market access issues on reciprocal basis.

Tauzin Chief of Staff Wallace Henderson said Bliley had asked Tauzin "to bring the parties together to see if something satisfactory" could be worked out. Henderson said Tauzin has worked for several months to determine whether it could be done, although he wasn't certain how much progress has been made. Tauzin and Bliley are optimistic agreement can be reached, Henderson said. There's no indication Bliley is ready to abandon approach in HR-1872. Commerce Committee staff members said they couldn't say whether he would change bill, but said there may not be reason to do so because it has 48 co-sponsors, including majority of 28 supporters on Committee. Measure is supported by satellite operators and long distance companies.

Intelsat spokesman said organization hasn't seen any amendments or been told of provisions. He said, and Intelsat Dir. Gen. Irving Goldstein testified to Congress, that HR-1872 as written would have "serious consequences" because Intelsat members want flexibility in determining future structure of organization.