The Law of Satellite Communications: Filling in the Gaps

Abstract

The modern international system of information and communication requires equal development of satellite communications on both legal and technical dimensions. Lack of regulations of satellite communications and inefficiency of present international law concerning, for example, the issue of non-interference in national sovereignty of nations has caused some countries to encounter many problems in different areas such as cultural invasion and the decline of nations’ sovereignty by satellite communications. In this article, suggestions are offered concerning the way governments and international organizations can help deal with the shortcomings related to the law of space. First, states’ responsibilities as to enacting rightful regulations of satellite communications through treaties, regional or international agreements and reconsidering present regulations of international law are discussed. Second, the prominent role of international organizations including the UN General Assembly, the UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union and the European Union as well as satellite organizations like Intelsat, Inmarsat and satellite regional organizations like Eutelsat, Arabsat, etc. and satellite local organizations like Insat in India and Cumsat in the United States is critically reviewed. Finally, some suggestions are offered on how to achieve parallel development of satellite communication on both technical and legal sides.