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Federal Communications Commission
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Washington, D.C.  20554

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).



Report No. IN 97-31                  INTERNATIONAL ACTION      October 10, 1997


       INTERNATIONAL BUREAU GRANTS SATELLITE DIGITAL AUDIO RADIO 
                AUTHORIZATION TO SATELLITE CD RADIO, INC.
                                    

       Today, the International Bureau issued an Order granting a satellite Digital Audio
Radio ("SDARS") authorization to Satellite CD Radio, Inc. ("CD Radio"). The company is
now eligible to launch and operate a SDARS system in the geostationary satellite orbit.  By
issuing this authorization, the Commission has completed the last step in the process of
issuing a SDARS license to CD Radio.  The American consumer can now look forward to an
exciting new radio service.  
 
       From April 1 through 2, 1997, the Commission conducted an auction for two SDARS
authorizations of 12.5 MHz of spectrum located in the S-band at 2320-2345 MHz.  CD Radio
submitted a winning bid in the amount of $83,346,000.00  for the 2320-2332.5 MHz portion
of the frequency band and American Mobile Radio Corporation submitted a winning bid in
the amount of $89,888,888.00, for the 2332.5-2345 MHz portion of the band.  CD Radio has
paid the full balance of its bid to the Commission.  

       This authorization will provide CD Radio with the opportunity to fulfill the promise of
satellite DARS by providing continuous nationwide radio programming with compact disc
quality sound.  The new service has the potential to increase the variety of programming
available to the listening public.  As proposed, it will offer niche programming that will serve
listeners with special interests.  In addition, SDARS has the technological potential to provide
a wide range of audio programming options to rural and mountainous sections of the country
that have historically been underserved by terrestrial radio

       Action by the International Bureau October 10, 1997, by Order and Authorization 
(DA 97-2191). 

                                  - FCC -

       News Media contact:  Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0256.
       International Bureau contacts:  Rosalee Chiara at 418-0754 or Selina Khan at (202)
       418-7282.