Report No. MM-860            MASS MEDIA ACTION            November 17, 1994


        FCC CONSENTS TO TRANSFER CONTROL OF DBS PERMITTEE DIRECTSAT
          CORPORATION FROM SSE TELECOM TO ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS

     The Commission has granted the application for transfer of
control of Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) permittee Directsat
Corporation from SSE Telecom, Inc., to EchoStar Communications
Corporation.

     Directsat has authority to construct satellites to provide
11 channels of eastern half-CONUS or full-CONUS DBS service on
even-numbered channels 2-20, at orbital position 119 degrees West
and on channel 24 at orbital position 110 degrees West, and 11
channels of western half-CONUS service on odd-numbered channels
1-21 at orbital position 175 degrees west, subject to conditions.

     The Commission found the applicants fully qualified and
concluded that a grant of the application would serve the public
interest.

     Action by the Commission November 4, 1994, by Memorandum
Opinion and Order (FCC 94-284).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners
Quello, Barrett, Ness, and Chong.

                                  -FCC- 

     News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500.
     Mass Media Bureau contact: Mark L. Solberg at (202) 418-
1610.