August 10, 1998

     COMMISSION REACHES AGREEMENT WITH ARGENTINA ON USE OF
   GEOSTATIONARY ORBITAL LOCATIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF FIXED
              SATELLITE SERVICES BETWEEN COUNTRIES


     On Friday, August 7, the Commission concluded an agreement  with the Government of
Argentina on the use of geostationary orbital locations in the fixed satellite service.  Under the
agreement, a U.S.-licensed satellite will be able to serve North America from the 72 degree W.L.
orbital location and an Argentine-licensed satellite will be able to serve North America from the
81 degree W. L. orbital location.  The agreement will facilitate hemispheric service for satellites
licensed by both countries and promote competition in the market for satellite services.

     International Bureau Chief Regina M. Keeney said: "I am pleased that the United States
and Argentina have reached a mutually beneficial agreement to share the orbital arc.  This
agreement will stimulate the growth of new opportunities for U.S. satellite companies to serve
Latin American markets and will offer consumers in both the U.S. and Argentina a greater choice
of satellite services and service providers." 

                              -FCC-

     International Bureau contact:  Chris Murphy at (202) 418-2373