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 News media Information  202/418-0500    Recorded listing of releases and texts 202/418-2222.   


Report No. SPB-138                                        September 14, 1998

                                 
                      INTERNATIONAL BUREAU 
               SATELLITE POLICY BRANCH INFORMATION:
                                
In the Application of Dominion Video Satellite, Inc. for Additional Time in Which to
Construct and Launch Direct Broadcast Satellites (File No. 13-SAT-MP/ML-97); and
                                
In the Application of Dominion Video Satellite, Inc. for Minor Modification of Authority to
Construct and Launch and to Continue Construction and Launch of Planned Satellite
             (61.5ø W.L.) (File No. 12-SAT-ML-97).
                                
     The proceedings captioned above are adjudicative licensing proceedings and are generally
restricted under the Commission's ex parte rules. See 47 C.F.R.  1.1202(d) and 1.1208.  These
related filings are inextricably intertwined with an outstanding request in a related proceeding
titled, In re Application of Dominion Video Satellite, Inc. for Assignment of Direct Broadcast
Satellite Orbital Positions and Channels (File No. DBS 81-08/84-05/92-01 MP).  See Dominion
Video Satellite, Inc., (M,O&O) 10 FCC Rcd 10480 (1995).  Given the non-restricted status of the
latter proceeding, as to the assignment of western DBS channels, and the complex, interrelated
legal and policy issues associated with implementation of DBS systems on varying numbers of
channels at more than one orbital location, the public interest requires the ex parte procedures be
modified for these filings.  The proceedings shall be treated on a non-restricted, permit-but-
disclose, basis. 47 C.F.R.  1.1200(a), 1.1206 and 1.1208, Note 2. 

     Accordingly, effective September 15, 1998, ex parte presentations relating to these
proceedings are subject to the disclosure requirements set forth in Section 1.1206 of the
Commission's rules.  47 C.F.R.  1.1206.  The adjudicative proceedings effected by this action are
as follows:

          In the Application of Dominion Video Satellite, Inc. for Additional Time in Which to
     Construct and Launch Direct Broadcast Satellites (File No. 13-SAT-MP/ML-97);

          In the Application of Dominion Video Satellite, Inc. for Minor Modification of Authority
     to Construct and Launch and to Continue Construction and Launch of Planned Satellite
     (61.5ø W.L.) (File No. 12-SAT-ML-97). 

     This action is taken pursuant to authority found in sections 4(i) and 303 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C.  154 (i) and 303; and pursuant to
Sections 0.31, 0.241, 0.261 and 1.1200(a) of the Commission's Rules.  See 47 C.F.R.  0.31,
0.241, 0.261 and 1.1200(a).   

     By the Chief,  International Bureau.

For further information, contact Chris Murphy, International Bureau (202) 418-2373.