Commercial satellite activities have undergone enormous growth in the last decades, and so has the complexity of the legal framework within which these activities have to be carried out. Because of the international character of satellite activities, this legal framework has often been established on an international or regional level, through institutions such as the European Union, the International Telecommunications Union, the World Trade Organisation and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations. It is not an easy task to obtain a complete picture of this legal framework. For this reason, it was considered opportune to assemble all relevant legal texts and materials established by these institutions into one book.
As telecommunications is currently the most important commercial application of satellites, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the main part of the book is dedicated to this application, simply because of the fact that the legal framework is furthest developed. However, relevant texts and materials for the three other commercial satellite activities - broadcasting, remote sensing and navigation - have also been included.
This book is a very valuable tool for all those involved in the European satellite business or for those who want to get involved in it, whether they are lawyers or non-lawyers; everyone is affected by the laws and regulations governing this field and everyone should be aware of the limitations these laws and regulations might impose.