PanAmSat Corporation announced today that the company requested authorization September 26 from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a 12-satellite global network that will provide digital transmissions services in the V-band frequencies. The system, called V-Stream, is expected to provide high-power, flexible broadcast and telecommunications services after the year

2000.

The V-Stream system will consist of 12 geostationary satellites

that use 3 gigahertz (GHz) of spectrum in the 50/40 GHz band of

frequencies. Key components of the system will include

inter-satellite links, on-board processing and high-powered spot

beams. Through the use of these technologies, the V-Stream system is

expected to be capable of efficiently providing a full range of

digital satellite services on a global basis. PanAmSat has requested

FCC authorization to operate the global V-band network in 11 orbital

slots, ranging from 99 degrees West Longitude for service over North

America to 124.5 degrees East Longitude for service over the

Asia-Pacific.

“With today's V-Stream application, PanAmSat continues to plan

for the evolving needs of its customers as well as the satellite

resources required for service applications just on the horizon,''

said Robert Bednarek, PanAmSat's chief technology officer. “We

expect that this new 40 GHz system will become an important part of

our existing global capabilities in C-band, Ku-band and emerging

Ka-band frequencies.''

PanAmSat operates a global network of 16 satellites providing

services in the C-band and Ku-band frequencies. In addition to its

orbital slots for C-band and Ku-band satellites, PanAmSat has

received FCC authorization to operate Ka-band satellites in nine

orbital slots.

PanAmSat Corporation is the world's leading commercial provider

of global satellite-based communications services. The company's

16-satellite network is supported by PanAmSat professionals on five

continents. These resources enable PanAmSat to provide broadcast and

telecommunications services to hundreds of customers worldwide.

PanAmSat resources and services include:

The premier cable and broadcast television satellites in the

United States, Latin America, the Indian subcontinent and the

Asia-Pacific;

Satellite platforms for direct-to-home television services in

Latin America, South Africa, the Middle East and India;

Live transmission services for news, sports and special events

coverage worldwide; and

Global satellite-based telecommunications services and

Internet access.

PanAmSat plans to launch five additional satellites by late 1998,

including the Galaxy VIII-i satellite in December 1997.