Starlink, a project by SpaceX, is facing significant challenges in Iran's communication space. This dispute is no longer limited to the issue of internet access; it has turned into a fundamental question about countries' sovereignty over their communication space.
International Regulations and National Sovereignty
The main argument of Iran revolves around Article 18 of the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations. According to this article, no transmitting station operated by an individual or company can operate without the permission of the relevant country's government. This issue is particularly significant for Starlink; as user terminals are not just receivers but also send signals to communicate with the satellite constellation. Therefore, the issue of licensing these devices is directly related to the domain of radio regulations.
Read more: NVIDIA and Google Collaborate to Improve Power Supply for Artificial Intelligence
Iran's case has been repeatedly raised at the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations Board, and official documents indicate that this board has examined the existence of unauthorized satellite services in Iran. In this context, the governments involved with the Starlink network have been reminded to comply with Article 18 and regulations regarding the prevention of unauthorized terrestrial transmissions. Resolution 22 adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference also emphasizes that coordinating and registering a satellite network does not, in itself, mean having permission to provide services within the territory of another country.
A Future in the Shadow of Global Conflicts
The main issue is clear: a foreign company cannot ignore the laws of the country where its users are located simply because its primary infrastructure is in space. This argument holds significant importance from the perspective of international telecommunications law. If satellite companies can activate their terminals in any country without the consent of governments, the licensing and frequency spectrum management systems of countries would effectively become obsolete.
The case of Starlink and Iran is not specifically about a few thousand internet terminals. This case could serve as an important example of future conflicts between global technology companies and the sovereignty rights of states. Technology may cross borders, but the current regulations of the International Telecommunication Union send a clear message: the placement of satellites hundreds of kilometers above the earth does not automatically exempt companies from adhering to the communication rules of member countries.
In simpler terms, while the sky may not have physical borders, the digital sky is not entirely lawless. This issue requires more attention and careful consideration from various countries and international organizations to protect the sovereign rights of nations in the digital space.
Read more: Minister of Science Warns About the Consequences of Widespread Surveillance with Artificial Intelligence · Iran's 7-Day Plan for America and Its Impact on the Strait of Hormuz
