US Regulator Clears Globalstar's C-3 Network for Domestic Service

what happened

The US Federal Communications Commission has approved operation of Globalstar's third-generation C-3 system across the United States, according to a company announcement reported by Reuters. The permit covers C-3 satellites that provide direct-to-device connectivity to smartphones, and it lets ground antennas in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico communicate with those spacecraft.

The C-3 network will consist of 48 low Earth orbit satellites at an altitude of 879 miles (1,414.61 km), with additional orbital spares. Roughly 90 six-meter ground antennas around the world support it, and the system is commanded from control centers in Toulouse, France, and from the company's Covington, Louisiana, headquarters.

Chief Executive Paul Jacobs said the approval is “a critical step forward” for the company's low Earth orbit constellations, adding that it will “ensure our ability to deliver next-generation satellite services” with greater capacity and flexibility.

why it matters

For investors, the decision removes a regulatory obstacle to Globalstar's expansion of satellite-to-phone service in its home market. The announcement concerns the company alone and includes no financial figures.

market impact

GSAT: US approval removes a regulatory hurdle for direct-to-phone satellite service

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