NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 1919 - M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov
	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. Circ 1974).
	Report IN 98-73 INTERNATIONAL ACTION December 22, 1998
	UNITED STATES AND MEXICO SIGN AGREEMENT ON MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICES
	On Monday December 21, 1998 in Mexico City, the United States and Mexican Governments signed the Protocol Concerning the Transmission and Reception of Signals From Satellites for the Provision of Mobile-Satellite Services and Associated Feeder Links in the United States of America and the United Mexican States. This Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) Protocol is the third Protocol signed under the U.S.-Mexican Satellite Services Agreement of April 1996. In November 1996, the United States and Mexico concluded the Protocol on direct-to-home (DTH) satellite services and in October 1997, the United States and Mexico concluded the Protocol on Fixed-Satellite Services. The Protocol will allow U.S. and Mexican satellites to provide mobile-satellite services, like low-earth orbit satellite systems, into both countries, using MSS, and associated feeder link, frequency bands. Under its WTO Agreement on Basic Telecommunications Services Mexico committed to allow access to its market for the provision of mobile satellite services beginning in 2002. The Protocol enables U.S. licensed MSS providers to access the Mexican market immediately. The Protocol further demonstrates the commitment that the United States and Mexico share in enhancing satellite competition in our national markets through the introduction of new services provided by U.S. and Mexican satellites. - FCC - News Media contact:David Fiske (202) 418-0500 International Bureau contact: Jennifer Gilsenan (202) 418-0420