Equitable access to satellite broadband services: Challenges and opportunities for developing countries

Universal and meaningful digital connectivity (UMC) is crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2015. Recently, its importance as a public utility was verified when the countries that have achieved digital transformation have been more adept at tackling the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic than those on the other side of the digital divide. This article aims to contribute to the discussion on the global governance of mega satellite constellations as part of global Internet infrastructure. It argues that (1) equitable access to meaningful and universal connectivity is a legitimate interest of developing countries in participating in norm development processes for satellite broadband; (2) principles of equity in outer space law, telecommunications law and Internet governance policies complement one another and are applicable to the governance of mega satellite constellations; (3) the norm development should defer to agreed principles of equity in international treaties and the sustainable development goals; (4) the coherence of promoted policies across fields will enhance their chance of impact at multilateral and multistakeholder platforms; (5) in consideration of the wide range of stakeholders involved and the inherently international nature of space-based connectivity, the problems are best addressed through a global governance perspective, for which international law is a core component.