PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET N.W.
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                             ______________________________________________
News media Information  202/418-0500.    Recorded listing of releases and texts 202/418-2222.   

                                                                 DA 98-1114
            
     
Report No. SPB-128                                            June 12, 1998

                           INTERNATIONAL BUREAU
                   SATELLITE POLICY BRANCH INFORMATION:
                                    
        INTERNATIONAL BUREAU ANNOUNCES CONCLUSION OF U.S.-ARGENTINA
                   FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND PROTOCOL FOR
      DIRECT-TO-HOME SATELLITE SERVICES AND FIXED-SATELLITE SERVICES

     On June 5, 1998, the United States and Argentina signed the "Agreement Between the
Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Argentine Republic 
Concerning the Provision of Satellite Facilities and the Transmission and Reception of Signals to and
from Satellites for the Provision of Satellite Services to Users in the United States of America and the
Republic of Argentina" (the "Agreement").  The purpose of the Agreement is to "facilitate the
provision of services to, from and within the United States and Argentina via commercial
satellites...and to establish the conditions relating to the use in both countries of satellites licensed by
the United States or Argentina." (Agreement, Article 2).

     The Agreement provides for the inclusion of a Protocol covering particular satellite services. 
The United States and Argentina concurrently signed the "Protocol Concerning the Transmission and
Reception of Signals from Satellites for the Provision of Direct-to-Home Satellite Services and Fixed-
Satellite Services in the United States of America and the Argentine Republic" (the "Protocol").  The
Protocol addresses the provision of direct broadcast satellite (DBS), direct-to-home fixed-satellite
services (DTH-FSS) and other fixed-satellite services (FSS) to, from, and within the United States and
Argentina.  The Agreement and Protocol entered into force upon signature.  

     In addition, FCC Chairman Kennard and Secretary of Communications Kammerath and
Chairman Aiello of the Federal Broadcasting Committee of Argentina exchanged letters detailing the
procedures and rules governing the licensing of DBS, DTH-FSS, and FSS in their respective countries.

     The Agreement, Protocol, and letters are available for viewing and copying in Room 102,
2000 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. or may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor,
ITS Inc., 202-857-3800.  For additional information, please contact Chris Murphy (202-418-2373) or
Tom Boasberg (202-418-2169) of the International Bureau.


                                  - FCC -