via telefax and e-mail

February 4, 2002

Pantelis Michalopoulos, Esq.
Counsel to EchoStar Communications Corporation
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-1795

Gary M. Epstein
Counsel for General Motors Corporation and Hughes Electronics Corporation
Latham & Watkins
555 11th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004


Re: Consolidated Application for Authority to Transfer Control, CS 
Docket No. 01-348


Dear Applicants:

      On December 3, 2001, the Commission received a consolidated application from 
EchoStar Communications Corporation, Hughes Electronics Corporation, and General Motors 
Corporation to transfer control of numerous satellite, earth station, and other related licenses and 
authorizations held by their wholly- or majority-owned subsidiaries.  In order for the 
Commission to review the application and make the necessary public interest findings under 
section 310(d) of the Communications Act,  we require additional information and clarification 
of certain matters discussed in the application.  
      
      Accordingly, pursuant to section 308(b) of the Act,  we request that you provide written 
responses and supporting documentation for the questions set forth in the attached Initial 
Information and Document Request and, where appropriate, amend the application to reflect 
such responses.  
      
      Your responses should be filed with William F. Caton, Acting Secretary, Federal 
Communications Commission under reference number CS Docket No. 01-348.  We would 
appreciate receiving your response to each inquiry no later than March 6, 2002. 
      
	Please contact Marcia Glauberman, Policy and Rules Division, Cable Services Bureau, 
202-418-7046, with any questions regarding this information request.

Sincerely,                     



W. Kenneth Ferree
      Chief, Cable Services Bureau
      
      
Attachment
      
      
      
      
      








  The application was submitted pursuant to Sections 214 and 310 of the Communications Act of                  1934.  
47 U.S.C. ?? 214, 310.
  Id. ? 310(d).
  Id. ? 308(b); see also 47 C.F.R. ? 1.65.
 
 
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Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554