NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.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).
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 1999   News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0500 Report No. IN 99-14 INTERNATIONAL ACTION
	INTERNATIONAL BUREAU GRANTS APPLICATION APPROVING TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF USSB'S DBS AUTHORIZATIONS TO DIRECTV
	Today the International Bureau granted the joint application of United States Satellite Broadcasting Co., Inc. ("USSB") and DIRECTV Enterprises, Inc. ("DIRECTV") for consent to transfer control of USSB's direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") authorizations at 101° and 110° to DIRECTV. The Bureau found that the acquisition by DIRECTV of these DBS authorizations would enable DIRECTV to become a stronger competitor in the multichannel video programming distribution ("MVPD") market. It concluded that the acquisition would serve the public interest by enhancing competitive alternatives to cable in the MVPD market. Specifically, the Bureau authorized the transfer of five DBS channels at the 101o W.L. orbital location and three DBS channels at the 110° W.L. orbital location, as well as related earth stations licenses. The Order waives the Commission's due diligence rule for USSB's three non- operational channels at 110° W.L., which will expedite deployment of DBS service to U.S. consumers. Consistent with this objective, and the terms of the application, this authorization is conditioned on DIRECTV implementing service from the 110° W.L orbit location by December 31, 1999. Action by the Acting Chief, International Bureau, April 1, 1999, by Order and Authorization (DA 99-633). - FCC - International Bureau Contact: Rosalee Chiara (202) 418-0754