A Need for Reform: Current Legal and Regulatory Framework Baneful to Ease of Doing Business in Satellite Services Sector

Due to the exigencies created by the COVID-19 pandemic, a worldwide upswing has been observed in global internet use, with many enterprises opting for ‘internet first’ models and customer opting for online transactions. Also, to avert potential health risks to employees, businesses have also increased their dependence on modern automated and interconnected devices (often deployed in remote locations) to monitor business indicators and complete routine operations with limited human intervention. In view of the increasing global data requirements, and impending transition to 5G connectivity (coupled with rising fiberization of telecom networks), global corporations are also looking to leverage satellite technologies for data access and developing satellite internet solutions for global deployment. Such solutions also expected to power new-age technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and machine to machine communications (M2M), particularly for activities like supply chain management, smart grids, railways, internal security, smart agriculture and healthcare etc., and to extend new services and superior connectivity to remote regions.