OTTAWA, September 25, 2003 — Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, and Pedro Cerisola y Weber, Mexican Secretary of Communications and Transportation, today announced that a new Satellite Coordination Agreement has been signed by the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Mexican States (Mexico).

The agreement will reduce interference among different satellite signals, provide a stable, cooperative environment and ensure room for expansion for future satellite operations. The agreement's importance was underscored when the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada, and Vicente Fox, President of Mexico, met in Mexico City in February 2003, and declared their intention to conclude a new Satellite Coordination Agreement.

"Canada and Mexico have once again demonstrated their ability to deal with a complex and controversial satellite coordination issue, and achieve a mutually beneficial solution," said Minister Rock. "This agreement ensures that satellite services will be able to reach Canadians free of interference, and enables satellite service providers in both countries with continued opportunities for innovation and growth."

Stability and assurance of operations are critical for the satellite communications industry because of the large financial expenditures and long time frames needed to plan, design, launch and operate satellites. A stable environment is also required by the investment community to ensure attractive returns on investments.

The Satellite Coordination Agreement will also provide a solid framework for the satellite operators, who, on August 1, 2003, reached their own agreement.

For more information, please contact:

Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001

Media Relations
Industry Canada
(613) 943-2502