VicMel :
A possible starting point could be to replace the on-board FDR and CVR systems with real time data transmissions. If ACARS cannot cope/is too expensive to handle the volume of data or cannot deliver the required dependability, the Iridium system (Iridium) would seem to be an alternative. If such a data collection service were to be made available, automatic monitoring would be possible
This already exists. A Canadian company (Aeromechanical services) offer real time data streaming using Iridium for operators that want to pay for it.
So far only VVIP jets are customers .
Iridium rates are not cheap, and as you rightly said someone must be at the other end listening, 24/7 and able to take decisions ( like alerting SAR ), also expensive. It is all down to money as usual.