---
kind: "section"
citation: "47 U.S.C. § 765a"
title: "47"
title_heading: "Telecommunications"
number: "765a"
heading: "Signatory role"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/47/765a"
units:
  - "Chapter 6 — Communications Satellite System"
  - "Subchapter VI — Communications Competition and Privatization"
  - "Part C — Deregulation and Other Statutory Changes"
---

# §765a. Signatory role

- (a) **Limitations on signatories—**
  - (1) **National security limitations—** The Federal Communications [Commission](/usc/47/702.md?p=10), after a public interest determination, in consultation with the executive branch, may restrict foreign ownership of a United States signatory if the [Commission](/usc/47/702.md?p=10) determines that not to do so would constitute a threat to national security.
  - (2) **No signatories required—** The United States Government shall not require [signatories](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-3) to represent the United States in [INTELSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-1) or [Inmarsat](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-2) or in any [successor entities](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-7) after a pro-competitive privatization is achieved consistent with sections [763](/usc/47/763.md), [763a](/usc/47/763a.md), and [763c](/usc/47/763c.md)[^1] of this title.
- (b) **Clarification of privileges and immunities of COMSAT—**
  - (1) **Generally not immunized—** Notwithstanding any other law or executive agreement, [COMSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-18) shall not be entitled to any privileges or immunities under the laws of the United States or any [State](/usc/47/757.md?p=4) on the basis of its status as a signatory of [INTELSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-1) or [Inmarsat](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-2).
  - (2) **Limited immunity—** [COMSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-18) or any successor in interest shall not be liable for action taken by it in carrying out the specific, written instruction of the United States issued in connection with its relationships and activities with foreign governments, international entities, and the intergovernmental satellite organizations.
  - (3) **No joint or several liability—** If [COMSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-18) is found liable for any action taken in its status as a signatory or a representative of the [party](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-4) to [INTELSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-1), any such liability shall be limited to the portion of the judgment that corresponds to [COMSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-18)’s percentage of the ownership of [INTELSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-1) at the time the activity began which lead to the liability.
  - (4) **Provisions prospective—** [Paragraph (1)](#b-1) shall not apply with respect to liability for any action taken by [COMSAT](/usc/47/769.md?p=a-18) before March 17, 2000.
- (c) **Parity of treatment—** Notwithstanding any other law or executive agreement, the [Commission](/usc/47/702.md?p=10) shall have the authority to impose similar regulatory fees on the United States signatory which it imposes on other entities providing similar services.

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 87–624, title VI, § 642, as added Pub. L. 106–180, § 3, Mar. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 55.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

Section 763c of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–34, § 3, July 12, 2005, 119 Stat. 377, and no longer relates to specific criteria for Inmarsat privatization.