provide a return on invested capital to its "Signatories", either a State party or the entity designated by a State party). It is organized in such a way: "as to permit all peoples to have access to the global satellite system and those States members of the International Telecommunication Union so wishing to invest in the system with consequent participation in the design, development, construction, including the provision of equipment, establishment, operation, maintenance and ownership of the system (Preamble)." The Organization operates through an assembly of parties, a meeting of signatories, a board of governors, and an executive organ responsible to the board of governors. INTELSAT has 117 States parties, operates 13 satellites and provides global voice, video, and data services to 173 countries. At least 22 countries use INTELSAT as the primary source of domestic communications. '!!../ The United States has signed but not yet ratified the new Telecommunications Regulations agreed upon at the World Administrative Telegraph and Telephone Conference (WATTC) which will replace the existing Telegraph and Telephone Regulations. See annex 2 for a brief description of this new instrument. A/AC.105/C.2/16/Add.8 page 9 CONVENTION ON THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SATELLITE ORGANIZATION (INMARSAT), WITH ANNEX. DONE AT LONDON, 3 SEPTEMBER 1976; ENTERED INTO FORCE 16 JULY 1979. Fifty-seven States are presently party to the INMARSAT Convention. The purpose of the organization is: "to make provisions for the space segment necessary for improving maritime communications and, as practicable, aeronautical communications, thereby assisting in improving communications for distress and safety of life, communications for air traffic services, the efficiency and management of ships and aircraft, maritime and aeronautical public correspondence services and radiodetermination capabilities." INMARSAT is required to operate on a sound economic and financial basis having regard to accepted commercial principles. Each State party designates a signatory which contributes to the capital requirements of 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international organizations and agreements related to satellite communication systems, specifically INTELSAT and INMARSAT. These organizations seem to be focused on providing global communication services and infrastructure, with a focus on improving maritime and aeronautical communications. The language used also emphasizes the importance of economic and financial sustainability.

**Category**
Transport and communication