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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| Report No. IN 97-33 | INTERNATIONAL ACTION | October 16, 1997 |
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU GRANTS SATELLITE DIGITAL AUDIO RADIO SUBJECT OF DOCUMENT AUTHORIZATION TO AMERICAN MOBILE RADIO CORPORATION
Today, the International Bureau issued an Order granting a satellite Digital Audio Radio ("SDARS") authorization to American Mobile Radio Corporation ("AMRC"). The company is now qualified to launch and operate a SDARS system in the geostationary satellite orbit. By issuing this authorization, the Commission has completed the last step in issuing SDARS licenses to the winners of the April 1997 SDARS auction.
From April 1 through 2, 1997, the Commission conducted an auction for two SDARS authorizations covering 12.5 MHz of spectrum located in the S-band at 2320-2345 MHz. American Mobile Radio Corporation submitted a winning bid in the amount of $89,888,888.00 for the 2332.5-2345 MHz portion of the band and CD Radio submitted a winning bid in the amount of $83,346,000.00 for the 2320-2332.5 MHz portion of the frequency band. The Commission issued an Order and Authorization for CD Radio's SDARS license on October 10, 1997.
Today's SDARS authorization issued to AMRC provides the company with the ability to provide continuous nationwide radio programming with compact disc quality sound. SDARS service has the potential to increase the variety of programming available to the listening public. As proposed, it will offer niche programming that will serve listeners with special interests. In addition, SDARS has the technological potential to provide a wide range of audio programming options to rural and mountainous sections of the country that have historically been underserved by terrestrial radio.
Action by the International Bureau October 15, 1997, by Order and Authorization (DA 97-2210).
News Media contact: Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0256. International Bureau contacts: Rosalee Chiara at 418-0754 or Selina Khan at (202) 418-7282.