ARTICLE 5

ARTICLE 5

The international communications system shall be established by the following stages:

- The stage of experimental work done by Members at their earth stations with the use of satellite communications channels made available to the Organization free of charge by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on its communications satellites. This stage shall cover the period until the end of 1973.

- The stage of work, involving the use of communications channels on Members' communications satellites on the basis of lease.

The stage of commercial operation of the communications system with the use of the space segment owned by the Organization or rented from its Members. Transition to this stage will be effected when the establishment of the space segment owned by the Organization or its lease are considered economically advisable by the Contracting Parties.