In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the conference results and coordination among U.S. participants at the 1983 Regional Administrative Radio Conference held by the International Telecommunications Union.

GAO found that the United States achieved two of its major objectives by convincing other nations to support: (1) a broadcasting satellite service plan with significant flexibility in technical standards and procedures; and (2) a plan which assigns specific orbit slots and frequencies to each nation. The United States was not successful in reaching agreement with the other nations on a desired higher maximum signal power level for the broadcasting satellites. However, the United States was able to adequately protect most of its interests at the conference because of the quality of technical preparations, the availability of computer analysis during the conference, and the competence of the U.S. delegation, although the delegation could have been aided by more and earlier State Department advance work to anticipate the political positions of other nations and help negotiate their support for U.S. views. Furthermore, a lack of State Department attention to conference administrative matters resulted in required conflict-of-interest reviews of private-sector delegates not being made before the conference. In addition, poor coordination within the Department caused by uncertainty about authority resulted in confusion for the delegation leadership throughout the conference. Effective coordination was hampered by the lack of interagency and intra-agency understanding of the coordinator's role.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Recommendation for Executive Action

Recommendation: The Secretary of State should improve the coordination of its participation in international telecommunications conferences and assure that delegations have the benefit of Department advice and involvement by: (1) more clearly defining and delineating the authority and responsibilities of the Office of the Coordinator for International Communication and Information Policy; and (2) involving Department political experts early in conference preparations and as delegation members in order to negotiate and anticipate support for U.S. positions.

Agency Affected: Department of State

Status: Closed - Implemented

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.