FCC granted applications by Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunicat...
FCC granted applications by Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications (LMGT) and Comsat, together with Telenor Satellite Services Holdings (TSSH), Telenor Satellite and Telenor Broadband Services (Telenor Broadband) to assign Title II common carrier authorizations and Title III radio licenses held…
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by Comsat to Telenor Satellite. Transaction will result in 79% indirect foreign govt. ownership of U.S. licenses, highest level of govt control of U.S. license allowed by Commission in its history, said FCC Comr. Copps, who opposed agreement. Deal is threat not only to competition, but also to public interest, he said: “Such control threatens competition because companies controlled by a foreign government have many increased incentives and enhanced abilities to cross-subsidize their American licensee.” Proposed assignment is in connection with Telenor’s proposed acquisition of Comsat Mobile Communications (CMC). Acquisition involves assignment of various satellite earth station licenses, private land mobile radio licenses, experimental licenses and Sec. 214 authorizations held by Comsat. FCC said proposed assignment of CMC-related FCC licenses and authorizations to Telenor Satellite and operation of CMC’s business by Telenor Satellite Services was in public interest. Transaction doesn’t promise to bring new competitor to satellite services market, Copps said: “One is left to wonder what procompetitive benefits such an agreement confers.” FCC said authorizations and licenses were subject to compliance with Nov. 29 agreement among Telenor, Dept. of Justice, FBI. Agreement is designed to address national security, law enforcement and public safety concerns of DoJ and FBI.