Report No. IN 98- 68     INTERNATIONAL ACTION        December 15, 1998
                                
                                
 U.S. AND MEXICO REACH AGREEMENT ON THE USE OF DIGITAL MDS AND
           ITFS SYSTEMS ALONG THE U.S./MEXICO BORDER 
                                
          The United States and Mexico have reached agreement on the operation of digital
Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) systems
along the U.S.-Mexico border area. These video distribution services provide a form of wireless
cable, with the MDS service available on a subscription basis and the ITFS service for use within
educational institutions.  Under this agreement, the existing Agreement Between the Government
of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States Concerning
the Assignment of Frequencies and Usage of the 2500-2686 MHz Band Along the United States-
Mexico Border, signed August 11, 1992, which covers analog MDS and ITFS systems, will be
amended to also cover digital systems.  The amendments provide notification and coordination
procedures for digital MDS and ITFS systems and threshold technical parameters for such
systems.  

          The new agreement will allow MDS operators, educational institutions and the public to
enjoy the benefits of digital technology, including improved quality, greater diversity of services
and more efficient spectrum use.  In commenting on the agreement, Andrew Kreig, President and
CEO of the Wireless Communications Association International (WCA) stated, "We're delighted
at the news, which will allow the benefits of advanced digital wireless services to be enjoyed by
residents, students, businesses and other users on the border, encouraging their growth and
prosperity ... for the benefit of all."  FCC Chairman William E. Kennard stated that "this
agreement represents a major step forward in the cooperative efforts of Mexico and the U.S. to
bring the benefits of digital services to consumers quickly."   

          The amendments were adopted through an exchange of diplomatic notes and  will enter
into force after both parties indicate that they have complied with any national legislative
requirements, a process that is expected to be completed within the next month.  Information on
the amended agreement has been placed on file at the International Bureau Reference Room
located on the first floor of 2000 M St. N.W.  Copies are also available from the International
Transcription Service at (202) 857-3800 and can be downloaded from the FCC's International
Bureau internet site at http://www.fcc.gov/ib/pnd/agree.

                                

       News Media contact:  Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0500; TTY at (202) 418-2155
       International Bureau contact:  Steve Selwyn at (202) 418-2160. 
       Mass Media Bureau contact:  Keith Larson at (202) 418-2600

                             -FCC-