From BigGo Finance · BigGo Finance · · 1m 20s
Globalstar's FCC Approval Boosts Amazon-Starlink D2D Race
Globalstar's FCC approval accelerates Amazon's push to dominate satellite internet with direct-to-device services.
In brief
Globalstar's FCC approval accelerates Amazon's push to dominate satellite internet with direct-to-device services. Globalstar's FCC approval enables next-gen satellite services for smartphones, intensifying competition with Amazon's Starlink in direct-to-device satellite communications. Originally reported by BigGo…
Globalstar gets FCC approval
Globalstar received US FCC approval to operate its next-generation C-3 satellite system across the United States.
C-3 system details
The C-3 constellation includes 48 low-Earth-orbit satellites and six spares, with launches starting in 2027.
Amazon's acquisition plan
Amazon is pursuing a $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar to add direct-to-device services to its Amazon Leo satellite business.
Apple partnership
Apple uses Globalstar's satellite network for Emergency SOS features on iPhone 14 and has invested up to $1.5 billion in satellite infrastructure.
Satellite deployment timeline
Globalstar's first satellite launch is scheduled for 2027, with Amazon's acquisition expected to close in 2027.
Competitive landscape
The market is shifting from Starlink's dominance to a dual challenge between Amazon-Globalstar and SpaceX in direct-to-device satellite services.
Key players
Paul Jacobs, Globalstar's CEO, is the son of Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs and has secured exclusive licenses for XCOM technologies.
Market implications
The approval creates favorable conditions for Amazon to expand its satellite services using Globalstar's infrastructure and Apple's user base.
The bottom line
Globalstar's FCC approval enables next-gen satellite services for smartphones, intensifying competition with Amazon's Starlink in direct-to-device satellite communications.
