Report No. MM-833            MASS MEDIA ACTION                 June 9, 1994

                  FCC TRANSFERS MMDS FROM COMMON CARRIER 
                        BUREAU TO MASS MEDIA BUREAU

     In order to consolidate processing of requests for licenses
that may be used to provide wireless cable service, the Commission
today voted to transfer responsibility for Multipoint Distribution
Services (MDS) and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Services
(MMDS) from the Common Carrier Bureau to the Mass Media Bureau.

     The Commission stated that the reorganization will streamline
the delivery of its services to the wireless video  industry by
providing "one-stop shopping" in the Mass Media Bureau for the
closely interrelated MMDS and Instructional Television Fixed
Services (ITFS).  The Commission also noted  that the public will
benefit from a single point of contact for MMDS-and ITFS-related
issues. 

     The Commission said this action will facilitate the rapid
delivery of wireless video service to the public.  After the
reorganization is effected, the augmented MMDS staff will expedite
reduction of the backlog of pending MMDS cases.  The Mass Media
Bureau will also review existing policies and develop, as needed,
revised policies for the MMDS service with a view toward
development of MMDS service as an effective competitor to wired
cable television systems. 

      The MMDS staff will be established as a pilot organization in
the Mass Media Bureau for the application of the principles of the
National Performance Review.  The MMDS staff will be under the
supervision of the Chief of the Video Services Division, and will
operate on a day-to-day basis with several multidisciplinary work
teams.  The MMDS staff will be responsible for disposing of all
types of applications and other requests for action in the MMDS
service. 

     Action by the Commission June 9, 1994, by Order (FCC 94-146). 
Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness, and Chong.

                                   -FCC-

     News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500.
     Mass Media Bureau contact: Janet S. Amaya at (202) 632-7191.