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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, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).


IN Report No. 97-34                  INTERNATIONAL ACTION      October 17, 1997


                INTERNATIONAL BUREAU ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF
              FIXED-SATELLITE SERVICES PROTOCOL WITH MEXICO

       On Thursday, October 16 in Mexico City, the United States and Mexican Governments
signed the Protocol Concerning the Transmission and Reception of Signals From Satellites for
the Provision of Fixed-Satellite Services in the United States of America and the United
Mexican States.  This Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) Protocol is the second Protocol signed
under the U.S-Mexican Satellite Services Agreement of April 1996.  In November 1996, the
United States and Mexico concluded the Protocol on direct-to-home (DTH) satellite services.

       The Protocol will allow U.S. and Mexican satellites to provide fixed-satellite services
into both countries, using FSS frequency bands (including the C-, Ku-, and Ka-bands).  Under
the Protocol U.S. satellites may provide international fixed-satellite services to and from
Mexico immediately and domestic fixed-satellite services within Mexico on the earlier date of
January 1, 1999 (three years earlier than Mexico committed to under the February 1997 WTO
Agreement on Basic Telecommunications Services), or the date on which the Morelos II
replacement satellite becomes operational.  Under last year's Protocol on DTH services, U.S.
satellites may provide the cable headend as of next month.

       The Protocol further demonstrates the commitment that the United States and Mexico
share in enhancing satellite competition in our national markets through the introduction of
new services provided by U.S. and Mexican satellites.  

       The parties expect to commence discussion shortly on a third Protocol, to address
mobile-satellite services.


   - FCC -

       News Media contact:  Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0256.
       International Bureau contact:  Jennifer Gilsenan at (202) 418-0757.