Globalstar Will Expand Apple Messaging Service With New Constellation
Apple will contribute up to $1.1 billion toward Globalstar expanding its mobile satellite service network, Globalstar said in an SEC filing Friday. The expansion includes a satellite constellation and expanded ground infrastructure that Globalstar will own, which will provide expanded…
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services to Apple. Some of those services, delivered to Apple end users, will involve Apple prepaying Globalstar. Apple will be a passive equity holder in Globalstar, with the company making a $400 million equity investment in the satellite firm. Globalstar said it will continue allocating 85% of its network capacity to services for Apple across existing and new satellites, with the remaining capacity servicing other MSS customers. Globalstar and Apple launched direct-to-device SOS emergency messaging capabilities in 2022 (see 2211100005). After paying down debt, the remaining Apple investment could provide 40 to 80 new satellites, depending on capacity, the space and spectrum consultant Tim Farrar posted on X. SEC filing language "suggests it is more than just upgraded replacement satellites," raising questions about what spectrum bands will be employed, he said.