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                                                       DA 96-2139
                            Before the
                FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                      Washington, D.C. 20554


     In the Matter of )
     )
  COLUMBIA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)File No.    127-SAT-STA-96
     )
 Application for extension of Special Temporary )
  Authority for the TDRS-4 Satellite at 41øW.L.)



                     ORDER AND AUTHORIZATION

      Adopted:December 18, 1996Released:December 20, 1996

By the Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division
     
   1.We hereby grant the application of Columbia Communications Corporation ("Columbia") for a
further extension of special temporary authority subject to the terms and conditions of the original
authorization for special temporary authority granted May 6, 1996.  This will enable Columbia to
continue to operate free of Commission imposed restrictions which would require it to limit the use
of satellite transponder capacity at 41ø West Longitude beginning in 1998.

   2.In granting Columbia's initial request for special temporary authority, the Chief, International
Bureau stated "the STA will be renewable for good cause shown at regular intervals" during the
pendency of further negotiations between Columbia and the International Telecommunications
Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) concerning the future use of the orbital slot at 41ø W.L.  The
special temporary authority was extended for 180 days on July 5, 1996.  Columbia has shown good
cause as to the need for special temporary authority and grant of an extension at this time is in
the public interest.  

   3.Accordingly IT IS ORDERED that the application of Columbia Communications Corporation for
extension of special temporary authority IS GRANTED and Columbia is authorized to operate under its
current authorization free of certain restrictions limiting its operations pursuant to its 1991 Article
XIV consultation with INTELSAT for a period of 180 days, consistent with the Commission's Rules,
subject to the condition that Columbia shall operate at 41ø W.L. consistent with applicable provisions
of the ITU Convention and Radio Regulations and seek pursuant to the provisions a mutually
acceptable arrangement that resolves unacceptable interference between Columbia and any INTELSAT
satellite operating at 40.5ø W.L. 

   4.IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this special temporary authority is renewable for good cause
shown during the pendency of further negotiations with INTELSAT and action on the application for
permanent authority.

   5.This order is issued under Section 0.261 of the Commission's Rules and is effective upon
adoption.  Petitions for reconsideration under Section 1.106 or applications for review under Section
1.115 of the Commission's Rules may be filed within 30 days of the date of public notice of this
order (see Section 1.4(b)(2)).

     FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
     


     Thomas S. Tycz
     Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division