U.S. Preparations for the 1983 Regional Administrative Radio Conference

GAO presented testimony concerning its review of the preparatory activities of the principal Federal agencies involved in the 1983 Regional Administrative Radio Conference which will plan for the Western Hemisphere nations' implementation of broadcast satellite service and will determine the technical rules under which the service will operate. The conference is expected to decide on whether to approve a specific and detailed frequency allocation plan or the flexible allocation system which is favored by the United States, and address the problems of sharing the designated broadcasting satellite service radio frequencies with existing communications satellites. GAO found that, while the agencies have been diligent in preparing for the technical issues to be addressed at the conference, managerial problems have hampered preparations. There have been delays in delegate confirmation and an unsettled matter concerning conflict of interest. Although each Federal agency is expected to fund conference activities important to its own responsibilities, overall planning has been difficult because of uncertainties concerning responsibilities. In addition, participating agencies have been experiencing budget constraints. Although a computer program has been developed to demonstrate alternative broadcasting satellite scenarios, an operating manual has not yet been developed for users, and a seminar to introduce delegates to the computer software is in doubt because of funding and scheduling difficulties. Finally, GAO noted that the extent to which the United States will participate in bilateral and multilateral meetings and seminars which will take place before the conference opens has yet to be decided.