PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                           

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                                                        DA 97-683
     
Report No. IB-97-10                       Released: April 7, 1997

        INTERNATIONAL BUREAU TO HOLD ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
                               ON 
       DISCO II AND WTO BASIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS AGREEMENT

The International Bureau, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division, will host a roundtable
discussion on April 18, 1997, at 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room, Room 856,
1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  20054, to solicit views on rules and policies for entry of
foreign-licensed satellites in the U.S. market, as proposed by the Commission in the Domestic
and International Satellite Consolidation Order (DISCO II).  Comments offered in the roundtable
discussion will assist the Commission in assessing the impact of the recent agreement on basic
telecommunications services in the World Trade Organization (WTO) on proposals made in the
DISCO II proceeding.

One of the principal aims of the DISCO II proceeding was to encourage foreign governments to
open their communications markets.  As a result of the recent WTO Agreement, nearly 80% of
countries making offers on basic telecommunications have committed to a complete opening of
their satellite markets effective January 1998 or on a phased-in basis.  Additional participants
have committed to at least partial opening of their satellite markets, and the United States Trade
Representative continues to urge countries to improve on their offers on basic
telecommunications.  

We seek to assess the impact, if any, of these developments on the Commission's stated goals in
DISCO II, and on whether proposed DISCO II rules and policies should be revised to reflect
these developments.  Specifically, we ask the industry and the general public their views on
whether and how the ECO-Sat and public interest criteria for evaluating applications to access
non-U.S.-licensed satellites should change in light of the WTO Agreement.

      Should our consideration of additional public interest factors, including the promotion
     of competition in the United States, be modified or expanded?

      How should the proposed ECO-Sat test be modified with respect to satellites licensed
     by WTO members, including systems that have investment by non-WTO members?

      Should the proposed ECO-Sat test and public interest factors be modified with respect
     to satellites licensed by non-WTO members?  If so, what specific criteria should be
     applied?


      Should the proposed ECO-Sat test and public interest factors be modified with respect
     to satellite services not covered by the U.S. WTO offer on basic telecommunications, i.e.DTH, DBS, and DARS?  If so, what specific criteria should be applied?

Members of industry and the public who wish to comment in writing should submit their views
sufficiently in advance of the roundtable meeting so as to enable all participants to review them. 
A public file has been set up in the International Bureau's Reference Room on the First Floor of
2000 M Street, N.W. for the written submissions provided during this inquiry.  The address for
all correspondence:  Office of the International Bureau Chief, Satellite Policy Branch, Suite 800,
2000 M Street, N.W., Stop Code 0800, Washington, D.C.  20554.  Inquiries may be directed to
Suzanne Hutchings, Attorney,  (tel: 202-418-0762, fax:  202-418-0765), and James Taylor,
Attorney, (tel:  202-418-2113,  fax:  202-418-7270), Satellite and Radiocommunication Division,
International Bureau.

Persons with other business currently before the Commission are asked to ensure that comments
offered do not violate any restrictions on ex parte presentations.

                             - FCC -