Attachment 1999MBELDEF letter a

This document pretains to SAT-LOA-19900723-00002 for Application to Launch and Operate on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATLOA1990072300002_1097333

MBELOEF Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. tarrem J. Mitchell Aftbtmny W. Robingm Fownder and Chairman President April 22, 1999 Ms. Marjoric Roman Salas Secrctary Federal Communications Commission The Portals 445 Twelfth Strect, Southwest Washington, D.C. 20554 Re: In the Matter of Application of AtnSpace Inc,. for Authority to Launch and Operate a Satellite Broadcasting Transmission System, File No, CSS—90— 017 (IBFS File No. SAT—L.OA—19900723—00002); Amendment File No. SAT.— AMD—19990125—000016 (Call Sign 52367) Dear Ms. Salas: The Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Uducation Fund, Inc. (MBELDEEF) is a non profit public interest organizyation founded in 1980 by former Maryland Congressman Parren J. Mitchell. MBELDEF seeks to address the class interests of the minority businessperson. We fitmly believe that desegregation ofthe marketplace is the final frontier ofthe struggle for civil rights in this country. Accordingly, fromtime to time, MBELDEF has filed comments and has otherwise participated in a number of dockets under review by the Fedecral Communications Commission that directly or indirectly affect the interests ofthe minonity businessperson. For example, prior to the initiation of the auctions for PCS spectrum licenses, MBELDODEF filed comments, participated in FCC roundtable discussions and convened meetings addressing the best interests of the mmority businessperson. On June 7, 1995, MBELDEF convened a histomc convocation of twenty minority and women organizations to hear a presentation by then Chairman Reed L. Hundt concerning matters relating to competition, diversity ofthe FCC marketplace, and Adarand. The purpose of this writing is to express MBELDEF‘s support for the above—naoted application of AfriSpace which has recently been filed with the Commission. In our view, Commission approval of this application will contribute to diversity of ownership with reference to the new technology involved in satellite sound broadcasting systems. Furthermore, Commussion approval not only will provide a greater level of competition in that communications arena but it will also provide access to information for previously undeserved nations ofthe world. 00 Second Street, N.E,. Suite B Wushington, 13.C. 20002 (202) 289—1700 Fax {(202) 289—1701

We are pleased to join the many organizations and entities that have expressed their support for this application. ‘They include the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Oe#ural Organization (LUNESCO), the Organization of African Unity, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Africare, the African Development Rank, the Pan African News Agency, Volunteers in Technical Assistance, and the National Association of Minorities in Communications (NAMIC), MBELDEF realizes that as a wholly owned subsidiary of WorldSpace, Inc., AfriSpace has made history by creating the first digital satellite radio service to cover Africa. In our view, Commission approval has the potential of benefitting a substantial number of minority entrepreneurs in this country who have an interest in becoming involved in aspects of the digital satellite radio business. You or any members ofthe Commission may feel free to contact me at any time if you require Further information concerning this application. If 1 am unavailable, please contact our Director of Telccommunications Policy and Special Projects, John A. Tumer, Jr. truly yours, Anthony W. binson Prosident


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Document Modified: 2015-06-02 16:36:26
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