Statement of Chairman William Kennard on Galaxy 4 Satellite

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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).

May 20, 1998

STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN WILLIAM KENNARD ON
GALAXY 4 SATELLITE

The FCC is aware of this problem and will continue to watch it closely. We have been in contact with all of the parties involved and have been assured that they are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. This type of disruption in satellite service is extremely rare. I understand that, over the last 10 years, the average satellite failure rate, in many cases involving just partial failure, has been approximately 1%. In fact, satellite technology has been responsible for the initial and continued connection of many remote areas around the globe, as well as much competition and innovation in our global and national telecommunications markets. We are working with Panamsat to facilitate implementation of its backup system to restore full service to its customers.
After the problems are resolved, it is my intention to have our advisory committee in this area, the National Reliability and Interoperability Council, assess the cause of the problems and make appropriate recommendations to the Commission and to the telecommunications industry.

- FCC -

	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).
	May 20, 1998
	STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN WILLIAM KENNARD ON GALAXY 4 SATELLITE
	The FCC is aware of this problem and will continue to watch it closely. We have been in contact with all of the parties involved and have been assured that they are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. This type of disruption in satellite service is extremely rare. I understand that, over the last 10 years, the average satellite failure rate, in many cases involving just partial failure, has been approximately 1%. In fact, satellite technology has been responsible for the initial and continued connection of many remote areas around the globe, as well as much competition and innovation in our global and national telecommunications markets. We are working with Panamsat to facilitate implementation of its backup system to restore full service to its customers. After the problems are resolved, it is my intention to have our advisory committee in this area, the National Reliability and Interoperability Council, assess the cause of the problems and make appropriate recommendations to the Commission and to the telecommunications industry. - FCC -