Report No. DC95-10           ACTION IN DOCKET CASE              January 12, 1995

                  COMMISSION ALLOCATES SPECTRUM FOR SATELLITE 
                      DIGITAL AUDIO RADIO SERVICES (DARS)
                            (GEN DOCKET NO. 90-357)

    Today, the FCC allocated spectrum in the 2310-2360 MHz band
for satellite digital audio radio services (DARS).  This action
is consistent with the 1992 World Administrative Radio
Conference, which allocated the band to the U.S. for the
broadcast satellite service.  The Commission said that its
allocation is the first step toward providing the American public
with new multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services with
sound quality equivalent to compact disks on a nationwide or
regional basis.  Service and licensing rules will be addressed in
a subsequent rule making.  
    
    The Commission stated that satellite DARS has the potential
to offer an increased choice of over-the-air audio programming.  
Further, satellite DARS will provide continuous radio service to
all communities, regardless of size or remoteness.  A satellite
DARS system has the potential to provide new services to rural
listeners, minority and ethnic groups, and audiences whose first
language is not English.  The Commission pointed out that a
satellite delivery system for DARS will make it possible to serve
segments of the United States which are currently unserved or
underserved.   

    The Commission noted that this proceeding also has addressed
experimental technologies designed to permit implementation of
digital broadcasting within the AM and FM bands, and reiterated
its support for these developments that will help promote the
future viability of local broadcasting.  It further stated that
when the experimental results indicate the feasibility of
implementing such systems, it will act expeditiously to consider
any appropriate changes to its rules.


                                     (over)







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    Action by the Commission January 12, 1995, by Report and
Order (FCC 95-17).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello,
Barrett, Ness, and Chong, with Commissioners Quello, Barrett,
Ness and Chong issuing separate statements.
                                        
                                     -FCC-

    News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500.
    Office of Engineering and Technology contact: Lynn L. Remly
at (202) 653-8108 or Ray LaForge at (202) 653-8117.