Globalstar, Inc. said Oct. 19 that Federal Communications Commission authorization allows its planned C-3 satellite system to communicate with U.S. mobile terminals nationwide, advancing a service designed to connect directly with smartphones.
The authorization applies to the satellite system and associated ground infrastructure. It also covers antennas in Puerto Rico and Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas and Florida. Globalstar plans 48 low Earth orbit satellites for regular operation, with six more held as orbital spares.
The company’s wider ground-network expansion is expected to add about 90 six-meter antennas at 35 ground stations in 25 countries, according to an August filing. Work was underway at most locations, and some sites were complete, the filing said. Globalstar said the expansion aims to meet demand and improve coverage and service quality.
Globalstar submitted its U.S. market access petition in February 2025. The FCC Space Bureau accepted it for filing and made it available for public comment in a May 30, 2025, notice.
The August filing also says Amazon’s obligation to complete its planned acquisition of Globalstar depends on Globalstar receiving certain C-3 authorizations, unless that condition is waived. Globalstar expects C-3 satellite launches to begin in 2027.
