§ 702. Definitions

     As used in this chapter, and unless the context otherwise requires—

     (1) the term "communications satellite system" refers to a system of communications satellites in space whose purpose is to relay telecommunication information between satellite terminal stations, together with such associated equipment and facilities for tracking, guidance, control, and command functions as are not part of the generalized launching, tracking, control, and command facilities for all space purposes;

     (2) the term "satellite terminal station" refers to a complex of communication equipment located on the earth’s surface, operationally connected with one or more terrestrial communication systems, and capable of transmitting telecommunications to or receiving telecommunications from a communications satellite system.

     (3) the term "communications satellite" means an earth satellite which is intentionally used to relay telecommunication information;

     (4) the term "associated equipment and facilities" refers to facilities other than satellite terminal stations and communications satellites, to be constructed and operated for the primary purpose of a communications satellite system, whether for administration and management, for research and development, or for direct support of space operations;

     (5) the term "research and development" refers to the conception, design, and first creation of experimental or prototype operational devices for the operation of a communications satellite system, including the assembly of separate components into a working whole, as distinguished from the term "production," which relates to the construction of such devices to fixed specifications compatible with repetitive duplication for operational applications; and

     (6) the term "telecommunication" means any transmission, emission or reception of signs, signals, writings, images, and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems.

     (7) the term "communications common carrier" has the same meaning as the term "common carrier" has when used in the Communications Act of 1934, as amended [47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], and in addition includes, but only for purposes of sections 733 and 734 ¹ of this title, any individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, corporation, or other entity which owns or controls, directly or indirectly, or is under direct or indirect common control with, any such carrier; and the term "authorized carrier", except as otherwise provided for purposes of section 734 ¹ of this title by section 734(b)(1) ¹ of this title, means a communications common carrier which has been authorized by the Federal Communications Commission under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, to provide services by means of communications satellites;

¹ See References in Text note below.

     (8) the term "corporation" means the corporation authorized by subchapter III of this chapter.

     (9) the term "Administration" means the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and

     (10) the term "Commission" means the Federal Communications Commission.

(Pub. L. 87–624, title I, § 103, Aug. 31, 1962, 76 Stat. 419.)

Termination of Paragraph (7)

Paragraph (7) to cease to be effective on the effective date of a Commission order determining under section 761(b)(2) of this title that INTELSAT privatization is consistent with criteria in sections 763 and 763a of this title, see section 765d(4) of this title.

References in Text

     The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, referred to in par. (7), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.

     Sections 733 and 734 of this title, referred to in par. (7), were omitted from the Code.

     This section is referred to in section 765d of this title; title 26 section 168.