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 FCC NEWS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
445 12th STREET S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

News media information 202/418-0500
TTY 202/418-2555
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission Action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 516 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 June 18, 2004
 NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
 Janice Wise at (202) 418-7450
Janice.Wise@FCC.GOV



FCC PROPOSES TO FINE DIRECTV, INC. $87,500 FOR
REPOSITIONING SATELLITE WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION

Washington, D.C.¾Today, the Federal Communications Commission proposed an $87,500 forfeiture against DIRECTV, Inc., for repositioning the DIRECTV 3 satellite without FCC authorization.

Section 25.117(a) of the FCC's Rules required DIRECTV to get Commission approval before repositioning the satellite from its authorized orbit to a location for which it was not licensed. DIRECTV had filed a request with the FCC for special temporary authority to relocate DIRECTV 3, but admits that its employees began repositioning the satellite the next day, without waiting for Commission approval of its request. In setting the amount of the forfeiture, the Commission noted that strict adherence to the rules governing modification of satellite authorizations is critical to minimizing the risk of collisions between satellites.

Action by the Commission, June 14, 2004, Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (FCC 04-138). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein.

- FCC -

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: Janice Wise at (202) 418-7450 and Jennifer Burton at (202) 418-7581.