Apple will invest $1.5b in Globalstar to expand satellite services2024-11-05 14:11 by DanielaTags: Apple, Globalstar
Apple has committed to investing about $1.5 billion in Globalstar, the company whose network of satellites provide communications services to owners of the latest iPhones. Apple wants more services and capabilities from Globalstar, which will extend its lead as one of only two providers of satellite services to phone users. Google partnered with Skylo to offer emergency satellite messages to Pixel 9 series owners back in August. Other efforts in the phone industry to offer satellite services have foundered, and carriers haven't progressed beyond successfully testing messaging through partner satellite networks. Currently, owners of the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models can, when outside their mobile networks, use Globalstar's satellites to reach emergency services through Emergency SOS. Recently, Apple extended this to include text messages. Apple coordinates these services through a combined network of Globalstar satellites and ground stations, and for now, offers it free of charge. With Apple's $1.5 billion investment, Globalstar will launch a new satellite constellation and expand ground infrastructure, which is grouped in a new "mobile satellite services" network, according to the company's recent SEC filing. It will also increase its global mobile services licensing as part of an "Extended MSS Network," and Apple will prepay for customers to use some of these services. Globalstar allocates 85% of its network for Apple's use, the filing noted. Read more -here-
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