The Mexican government and Mexican satellite operator Satelites Mexicanos (Satmex) are holding talks with the Canadian government and Canadian satelliteoperator Telesat Canada to reach a new coordination agreement for fixed satellite services between the two countries.

The meetings being held this week are a continuation of negotiations conducted during the past year aimed at reaching an agreement to replace one signed in May of 2000. These negotiations have accelerated as a result of the failure, in August 2000, of Satmex’s Solidaridad I satellite, which will be replaced by the new Satmex 6 satellite. Satmex 6 is in the final phases of construction and is currently undergoing testing. The launch is expected to take place in the third quarter this year.