Satellite Communications
Squire Sanders has gained international recognition as a leader in the field of satellite regulation and policy. We assist a wide range of clients throughout the world in matters involving satellite communications and space sciences, and offer extensive knowledge and experience in the licensing, regulation, technology transfer, financing, contracting and implementation of satellite and aerospace systems. Drawing on the experience of our lawyers throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, we provide advice and guidance regarding all aspects of global and regional satellite and aerospace law and policy.
We assist clients in the development of innovative satellite networks and configurations (including hybrid satellite/terrestrial systems) designed to provide fixed, mobile (including aeronautical, maritime and terrestrial mobile services), video and audio broadcasting, broadband, and earth sensing services. We represent satellite operators in consultations and rulemaking proceedings to establish new satellite spectrum allocations and satellite service rules. Our lawyers have served as delegates to ITU Plenipotentiaries and World Radiocommunication Conferences and we work with the ITU Radiocommuncation Sector on notification, coordination and dispute resolution for satellite orbital assignments.
We also advise satellite services providers in the regulatory and contractual issues involved in expanding into new markets. We routinely monitor market entry conditions in different regions of the world and assist clients in obtaining domestic authorizations to provide satellite communications services either on their own or in partnership with local companies. We also help to structure and finance complex ventures to provide satellite communications networks using private funding or a combination of public and private funding sources.
Our lawyers also assist with:
- Export licensing requirements
- Obtaining approvals for technical assistance agreements
- Compliance with export laws and regulations
- Technology transfer control plans
- Transactional issues involved in developing satellite networks and providing satellite services
We help negotiate contracts with:
- Satellite manufacturers
- Spacecraft payload and bus contractors
- Network equipment suppliers
- Programming producers
- Providers of transponder capacity
- Providers of launch services
In addition, our trial lawyers assist in resolving commercial, regulatory and contractual disputes involving the satellite industry through judicial action or alternative dispute resolution.