Regulations define "international telegraph service" to include not only telegrams but also facsimile, telex, and data transmission. Much of this international traffic is carried over satellite facilities. Both the Telegraph Regulations and the Telephone Regulations lay down general provisions to be observed in offering their respective telecommunication services; they apply so far as the Radio Regulations do not provide otherwise. One of the fundamental provisions of both sets of regulations provides: "Administrations or recognized private operating agency(ies) shall co-operate in the establishment, operation and maintenance of the circuits and installations used for the international telegraph [telephone] service to ensure the best possible quality of service." ~/ The United States has signed but not yet ratified the Constitution and Convention of the ITU which will replace the existing ITU Convention. See annex 1 for a brief description of these new instruments. A/AC.105/C.2/16/Add.8 page 8 Private corporations, government owned corporations, and government entities co-operate to make telecommunication services available worldwide using satellite facilities. The Telegraph and Telephone Regulations provide the international framework for bilateral implementing arrangements (usually commercial" contracts) to cover the settlement of monetary accounts and the construction and maintenance of the facilities used to carry international traffic.'!!../ AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE ORGANIZATION, WITH ANNEXES (INTELSAT). DONE AT WASHINGTON, 20 AUGUST 1971; ENTERED INTO FORCE 12 FEBRUARY 1973. The INTELSAT Agreement replaced an earlier Interim Agreement and entered into force 12 February 1973. States parties have: "the aim of achieving a single global commercial telecommunications satellite system as part of an improved global telecommunications network which will provide expanded telecommunications services to all areas of the world and which will contribute to world peace and understanding ( P reamb 1 e ) • " INTELSAT is a commercial, non-profit organization (although it does 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international telecommunications, specifically the regulation and cooperation among governments and private entities to provide global telecommunications services. It mentions the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT), which suggests a focus on international communication and technology.

**Category**
Transport and communication, Science and technology