Reaction Paper 4: Creating a global communication infrastructure

The current state of global media infrastructure is the result of policies of liberalization and privatization, of the development of new digital technologies and of the globalization of telecommunications.

With the increasing presence of regional and global satellite networks, the traditional approach to communication through a state-centric perspective has become outdated. The third chapter of the textbook aims to provide a review of the current (at the time when the textbook was written) state of the world satellite industry; as well as discussing the way TNCs (Transnational Corporations) were the first beneficiaries of  liberal policies.

In this summary, I will focus on the  key players of the global satellite industry, as described in the textbook.  

The satellite industry has been strongly impacted by the rise of digital technology. When compared to old technologies (and more specifically to 1960s spacecraft), modern satellites have had a capacity increase of ‘500-fold.’ It has also been shaped by deregulation sponsored by the WTO, and by the quick privatization of organizations of national telecommunications. Nowadays, the industry consist on global telecommunications industry, in which the key actors are commercial international operators of of satellite and cable communications, and the range of services offered is much wider, for cheaper prices.

The leading companies in terms of global satellite industry are from the US, and from a European consortium led by France. The three biggest US companies are Hughes Space and Communications, Lockheed Martin, and Loral. Together, they are at the origin of 68% of satellite technology in orbit. The European consortium, on the other hand, has been at the origin of 17%.

In my opinion, the rise and the globalization of satellite industry is responsible for many changes in the way people communicate. First, satellite technology has made mobile communication accessible from anywhere, which is critical to modern global professionals. At a time when travelling has become integral part of many people’s common life, or professional obligations; satellite technologies have allowed communication to follow the same pace.

Because satellites are getting smaller and cheaper to produce, the impact they have on people’s daily lives is proportionally increasing. However, the Western dominance over the satellite industry makes this impact one that is likely to advantage Western countries over others. Per example, the satellite technology is more likely to be used to spread Western ideologies, and advertise Western products. We could ask the question of whether the satellite industry should be regulated for more fairness; and, if so, how to regulate it effectively?