On Dec. 30, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking reaffirming its earlier decision to withdraw as an accounting authority of last resort in the maritime mobile and maritime mobile-satellite radio services and to transfer its functions and duties as an accounting authority to private accounting authorities. FCC’s withdrawal as a maritime accounting authority is expected to affect users of Inmarsat terminals, particularly legacy terminals such as those required to be carried onboard ship under Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) regulations, as well as mariners who use ship-to-shore marine radiotelephone operator services of remaining VHF and HF public coast stations.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 1/13/2017: FCC proposes to cease operating as an accounting authority for settling accounts for maritime mobile and maritime mobile-satellite radio services