FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              News Media Contact:
April 1, 1999                           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 101ø and 110ø 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 110o 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 110o 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 110o 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