Report No. IN 98-27                INTERNATIONAL ACTION          June 5, 1998

       INTERNATIONAL BUREAU ANNOUNCES CONCLUSION OF U.S.-ARGENTINA
                  FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND PROTOCOL FOR
     DIRECT-TO-HOME SATELLITE SERVICES AND FIXED-SATELLITE SERVICES
                                    
      Today, the United States and Argentina signed an Agreement and Protocol on satellite services, in which both
countries agreed to open their markets to each other's satellites for the provision of direct broadcast satellite (DBS), direct-
to-home fixed satellite service (DTH-FSS) and other forms of fixed satellite service (FSS).  The Agreement and Protocol,
which are closely modeled on a similar series of accords reached with Mexico over the last two years, mark a significant
market-opening breakthrough and will allow U.S. satellite operators full access to the Argentine market.  Under the
Agreement and Protocol, Argentina will open its market for U.S.-licensed satellite operators to provide DBS, DTH-FSS and
FSS.  U.S. satellites will have the same rights to provide service in Argentina as Argentine satellites.  The United States
made similar commitments with regard to access to the United States market by Argentine-licensed satellites.

     The Agreement and Protocol will open a major new market to U.S. satellite providers, which has previously been
closed.  Pan-Latin American direct-to-home services, such as Galaxy Latin America and Sky Latin America will now be
able to provide their programming services to Argentina.  Significantly, the Protocol limits domestic content restrictions
either side can place on satellite programming to only a "modicum" of total programming, thereby increasing opportunities
for U.S. program content producers.  The Agreement and Protocol also ensure that FSS providers will be able to provide
their current services to Argentina as well as their next generation broadband systems.

     At the signing ceremony, Chairman Kennard said:  "The Agreement will greatly stimulate competition in the
satellite markets of both the United States and Argentina, promoting the entry of new competitors in our markets, lowering
prices for consumers, and accelerating the introduction of innovative new services.  The economies and people of both our
countries will be better off for it.  The Agreement will also go far to foster a shared sense of community between our two
nations and to link us more closely together.  Pan American direct-to-home satellite services will beam both English and
Spanish-language programming to citizens from Alaska to Patagonia.  The accord also offers wonderful opportunities for
distance learning, innovative educational programming and cultural exchange via satellite between our countries."
                                - FCC - 

     News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0500
     International Bureau Contacts:  Chris Murphy (202) 418-2373 or Tom Boasberg (202) 418-2169