November 30, 1998


          Statement of FCC Chairman William E. Kennard 
             on EchoStar-News Corp-MCI Announcement 

Consumers need more competition to provide an alternative to cable and to keep cable rates in
check.  Direct broadcast satellite (DBS) firms have the potential to offer much-needed
competition to cable.

The deal announced today could facilitate stronger DBS-cable competition depending on the
specific business plans put forward.  We look forward to receiving more details on this
proposed transaction to better understand how these companies plan to accomplish two
important goals:  bringing consumers alternatives to cable and preserving competition in the
nascent DBS industry.