Apple’s Satellite Service Provider Seeks Permission to Launch New System in US to Support Innovative Features

We highlighted Apple’s additional $1.5 billion investment in satellite service provider Globalstar late last year. Globalstar helps Apple provide services like Messages via satellite, Emergency SOS via satellite, and Roadside Assistance via satellite.

In a recent FCC filing, Globalstar seeks permission to serve the US market via its next-generation C-3 system. The C-3 system comprises 48 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and ground infrastructure designed to serve users “when they are beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks or when terrestrial mobile networks are offline for any natural or man-made reason.”

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Apple’s satellite communication services currently require a clear sky view in open terrain. However, Globalstar’s new FCC filing indicates the C-3 system will have more “robust” signal strength, including “much-improved in-building and in-vehicle connectivity with less dependency on antenna orientation.”

Moreover, Globalstar says this C-3 system will support the “continued development of innovative features and offerings in the direct-to-device marketplace.” Does this mean Apple could have more satellite services on the way? There’s no mention of exactly what these innovative features are. However, it’s clear Globalstar is competing with the likes of Elon Musk’s Starlink, which claims to achieve medium resolution images, music and audio (and soon medium resolution video), without having to point your phone at the sky.

Globalstar emphasizes that the FCC’s permission for the C-3 system to serve US customers is in the public’s interest. They highlight the system’s worldwide use by public safety entities in relief efforts following natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. Since the release of iOS 18, Apple’s Messages via satellite (which uses existing Globalstar infrastructure) already supports iMessage and SMS features like texts and emojis in “off-network” conditions. This allowed iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users with iOS 18 to reach family and friends during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Globalstar also claims their existing systems are responsible for initiating over “10,000 emergency rescues via satellite in over 110 countries on six continents – often life-saving, on land and at sea.” This includes the 2023 Hawaii wildfires.

It looks like there’s a real space race going on as far as satellite services go. We’ve mentioned the differences between Globalstar satellite frequencies versus Starlink’s 5G, which gives Globalstar an edge (as of now) for international availability. Will service providers like Globalstar and Starlink eventually be used for more than emergencies or when you’re off the grid? It looks like it!