Intelsat Agreement Negotiating History records

The International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium (Intelsat) was an international organization formed to oversee international satellite communication. Intelsat mangaed communication satellites that provided international broadcast services. The intergovernmental organization began on August 20, 1964 with 11 participating countries. Intelsat's first satellite went into orbit in 1965 and at the time had eleven particpating countries. By 1973, Intelsat had grown to more than 80 countries. In 1971 these 80 countries finally reach an agreement to broaden control of the world's communication satellite system. The INTELSAT Definitive Agreement entered into force on February 12, 1973. Prior to this landmark agreement the United States had been running Intelsat. This agreement provided the United States, represented by Communication Satellite Corp (Comsat), will remain the dominant power in Intelsat. Also, in this agreement no one country will control more than 40% of the votes of the Board of Governors. Intelsat will convene an assembly where all member nations will have equal voices.

By 2001, Intelsat became a private company with the primary source of revenue comign from satellite usage fees. The Intelsat system enables Internet connection, television broadcasting, cellular telephony, and corporate network services.