A review of the International Telecommunications Satellite Org. (INTELSAT) begun in 1964 to provide mainly telephone and data services, and the International Maritime Satellite Org. (INMARSAT) which was formed in 1979 to provide maritime communications, including services related to safety and rescue at sea. Describes the potential competitive impact of: possible alternative approaches to reforming the organizations; an INMARSAT affiliate company, formed in 1994 to provide new services; and proposals for restructuring INTELSAT.