Regulation of satellite telecommunications in India

Commercialization of space activities particularly harnessing satellites for telecommunication in the 1970's is perhaps the most dynamic development of the twentieth century comparable only to the industrial revolution of the seventeenth century. The possibilities of civilian applications of satellite technology confined to its military use until the recent past has raised urgent questions of policy and regulations both nationally and internationally.The main objective of the thesis is to review the development of satellite telecommunication with particular reference to India. The thesis assesses the present access status and the regulatory regime, analyzes general challenges of deregulation including concerns of national security, fair competition, equal opportunity for service providers and manufacturers and above all consumer protection. It examines the how the Canadian CRTC and American FCC are addressing the current challenge posed by rapid technological developments and consequent convergence of telecommunications and broadcasting as well as lessons India could learn from the Canadian and American experiences. Finally suggestions are made for a possible logical direction for India's future telecom policy, in particular and the commercialization of space activities, in general