WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

 

<ARTICLE>      5
<LEGEND>
Exhibit 27
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SBI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. FOR THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
In thousands, except per share amounts


                                           
     <FISCAL-YEAR-END>                            DEC-31-1997
     <PERIOD-START>                               JAN-01-1997
     <PERIOD-END>                                 DEC-31-1997
     <CASH>                                            22,228
     <SECURITIES>                                           0
     <RECEIVABLES>                                     10,867
     <ALLOWANCES>                                           0
     <INVENTORY>                                       72,095
     <CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 118,160
     <PP&E>                                         4,096,124
     <DEPRECIATION>                                   ( 5,000)
     <TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 4,096,124
     <CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            962,288
     <BONDS>                                                0
     <PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                  0
     <PREFERRED>                                    8,365,000
     <COMMON>                                           5,345
     <OTHER-SE>                                     3,106,836
     <TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   4,069,124
     <SALES>                                          411,033
     <TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 544,662
     <CGS>                                            180,563
     <TOTAL-COSTS>                                    797,234
     <OTHER-EXPENSES>                                       0
     <LOSS-PROVISION>                                       0
     <INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                82,637
     <INCOME-PRETAX>                               (3,612,312)
     <INCOME-TAX>                                           0
     <INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (3,612,312)
     <DISCONTINUED>                                         0
     <EXTRAORDINARY>                                        0
     <CHANGES>                                              0
     <NET-INCOME>                                  (3,612,312)
     <EPS-BASIC>                                       (.66)
     <EPS-DILUTED>                                          0