Summary

Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new rule on non-U.S. licensed satellites providing domestic and international service in the United States. GAO noted that: (1) the rule would adopt a new standard for foreign participation in the U.S. satellite services market consistent with the United States' obligation under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Basic Telecommunications Services; (2) the procedures will provide opportunities for foreign entities to deliver satellite services in the United States, and the liberalized market conditions resulting from the agreement will allow U.S. companies to enter previously closed markets; and (3) FCC complied with applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.