May 19, 1999



                       Separate Statement
                               of
                    Commissioner Susan Ness



Re:  Application of MCI Telecommunications Corporation and EchoStar 110 Corporation
     for Consent to Assignment of Authorization to Construct, Launch, and Operate a  Direct
Broadcast Satellite System Using 28 Frequency Channels at the 110	 W.L.    Orbital
Location

DBS provides a valuable service to the American public, and its benefits should extend to all
geographic areas of our country.

When the Commission licensed EchoStar in 1996, it required EchoStar to provide service to
Hawaii and Alaska from 148	W.L.  As the Commission stated then, "[W]e will expect Echostar
to provide DBS service to Hawaii and Alaska in accordance with Commission rules and policies."  
 Although EchoStar's original plans to serve Hawaii and Alaska have been somewhat delayed due
to technical problems with its satellite, Echostar has made interim arrangements, and is now
providing alternate service to both states. Nothing in the order we adopt today will relieve
Echostar of this continuing geographic service requirement. 

In addition, in 1996, when we authorized MCI to provide service at 110	W.L., the Commission
also required MCI to comply with our geographic service rules.  In acquiring MCI's DBS license,
EchoStar assumes this obligation for this additional orbital location and is subject to the
Commission's rules.  I expect EchoStar to fulfill its commitment to serve these non-contiguous
areas.

Thus, I reiterate my commitment to making DBS service available to all geographic areas
throughout the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska.