Globalstar
Corporate brand
UnclaimedSatellite communications and connectivity provider operating a low Earth orbit satellite network.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Globalstar is an American telecommunications company that provides satellite voice, messaging, low-speed data, tracking, and connectivity services. Its network is designed for customers operating beyond dependable terrestrial cellular and fixed-line coverage, including energy, mining, forestry, maritime, utilities, transportation, construction, government, emergency-preparedness, and recreational users. The company also provides satellite-enabled Internet of Things services for asset monitoring, personal safety, geolocation, and supervisory control and data acquisition applications. The Globalstar system uses a low Earth orbit satellite constellation and a network of ground gateway stations. Unlike a fully interconnected orbital mesh, its satellites function primarily as bent-pipe repeaters: traffic is relayed through a satellite to a gateway, which connects it to the public telephone network or the Internet. This architecture can provide relatively low latency, but service depends on a suitable gateway being within view. Coverage is therefore incomplete in some oceanic, polar, and historically underserved regions. Globalstar’s orbital inclination also limits coverage near the poles. The project began in 1991 as a joint venture associated with Loral Space & Communications and Qualcomm. Globalstar LP was formally announced in 1994 with participation from additional aerospace, telecommunications, automotive, and international partners. The system was initially promoted as a lower-cost alternative to competing satellite-phone services. Early satellites were launched in 1998, limited commercial service began in late 1999, and broader commercial service followed in February 2000. The company experienced severe financial and technical difficulties in the early 2000s. It sought Chapter 11 protection in 2002 and completed a restructuring under new operational control in 2004. At the same time, premature degradation of first-generation satellite S-band amplifiers threatened two-way voice and duplex-data capacity. Globalstar supplemented the constellation with spare satellites and subsequently deployed a second-generation system of 24 satellites between 2010 and 2013. The company moved its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Covington, Louisiana during this rebuilding period. Globalstar’s portfolio includes satellite phones, simplex and duplex data modems, satellite airtime, personal safety messengers, asset-tracking devices, and connectivity modules. Its SPOT business broadened the brand beyond traditional satellite telephony by offering compact one-way and two-way messaging and location-sharing products. Globalstar also commercializes terrestrial spectrum, including Band 53 and its 5G NR implementation n53, for private networks and other wireless deployments. XCOMP technology is intended to improve capacity in dense wireless environments. A major recent development was Apple’s use of Globalstar’s network for satellite emergency messaging on compatible iPhones in the United States and Canada, announced in 2022. In 2024, Globalstar disclosed an arrangement under which Apple would acquire a minority interest and support an expansion of the network to 54 satellites. In April 2026, Amazon announced an agreement to acquire Globalstar for $11.57 billion and place the business within its Amazon Leo satellite communications unit, subject to closing and other conditions. The announcement stated that support for Apple devices would continue. Until completion of that transaction, Globalstar remains a publicly traded company under the GSAT ticker.
History
Globalstar originated in 1991 as a satellite communications project associated with Loral Space & Communications and Qualcomm. On March 24, 1994, the partners announced Globalstar LP, a United States limited partnership supported by other international telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and technology companies. The original plan called for a 48-satellite system, worldwide regulatory approvals, and service priced below competing satellite-phone offerings. Globalstar obtained a worldwide allocation through the World Administrative Radio Conference and received United States spectrum authorization from the Federal Communications Commission in January 1995, while continuing to address international frequency rights. The first satellites reached orbit in February 1998. A launch failure in September of that year destroyed 12 spacecraft and delayed deployment. Globalstar nevertheless conducted friendly-user trials in late 1999, using most of the planned operational constellation. The first system call was placed on November 1, 1998, between Qualcomm chairman Irwin Jacobs in San Diego and Loral chairman and chief executive Bernard Schwartz in New York. Limited commercial service began in December 1999, and full commercial service followed in February 2000 across North America, Europe, and Brazil. The initial system used 48 operational satellites and four in-orbit spares, with additional spacecraft held on the ground. The business was affected by high infrastructure costs, limited coverage caused by its gateway-dependent architecture, and competition in the satellite communications market. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Qualcomm also developed an experimental airborne Globalstar configuration capable of carrying voice, data, telemetry, and video through multiple user terminals. On February 15, 2002, Globalstar and three subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Thermo Capital Partners assumed operational control during the restructuring, which was completed in 2004. Globalstar LLC was formed in November 2003 and became Globalstar, Inc. on March 17, 2006. A serious technical problem emerged as first-generation satellites aged. Their S-band antenna amplifiers degraded faster than expected, threatening two-way voice and duplex-data services. The simplex data business, including early tracking applications and the SPOT messenger, was less affected because it used a different transmission path. Globalstar launched eight additional first-generation satellites in 2007 as an interim measure and provided customers with a tool for forecasting satellite availability while the damaged constellation remained in service. Globalstar commissioned a second-generation constellation from Alcatel Alenia Space, later Thales Alenia Space. The new satellites were designed for a substantially longer operating life than the first generation. Between 2010 and 2013, Globalstar deployed 24 second-generation satellites, restoring system capacity and supporting the company’s subsequent commercial recovery. During this period the company relocated its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Covington, Louisiana. The brand’s business expanded from satellite telephony into personal safety, tracking, industrial telemetry, and IoT. Its SPOT subsidiary introduced a handheld satellite messaging and tracking device in 2007, followed by SPOT X in 2018, which added two-way messaging, GPS location functions, navigation-related features, social sharing, and communication with emergency services. Globalstar also developed a terrestrial-spectrum business around Band 53 and its 5G n53 implementation. In March 2020, the Third Generation Partnership Project approved Band 53 for 5G use. Globalstar discontinued Sat-Fi2 and Sat-Fi2 RAS in 2021. Its strategic importance increased in 2022 when Apple announced satellite emergency messaging for compatible iPhones in the United States and Canada using Globalstar’s network. In October 2024, Globalstar disclosed plans involving an Apple minority investment and a proposed expansion to 54 satellites. On April 14, 2026, Amazon announced an agreement to acquire Globalstar for $11.57 billion and integrate it into the Amazon Leo business unit, while stating that Apple-device support would continue. The proposed acquisition was intended to close in 2027, subject to applicable conditions.
- 2026
Amazon acquisition agreement announced
[1]Amazon announced a proposed $11.57 billion acquisition and planned integration into Amazon Leo.
- 2024
Apple investment and constellation expansion disclosed
[1]Globalstar disclosed plans involving an Apple minority stake and expansion to 54 satellites.
- 2022
Apple satellite emergency messaging announced
[1]Apple announced iPhone emergency messaging over Globalstar’s satellite network in the United States and Canada.
- 2020
Band 53 approved for 5G use
[1]The 3GPP approved Globalstar’s Band 53 for 5G operation as n53.
- 2018
SPOT X introduced
[1]SPOT launched a two-way satellite messenger with GPS tracking and emergency communication features.
- 2013
Second-generation deployment completed
[1]The company completed deployment of 24 second-generation satellites.
- 2010
Second-generation constellation deployment begins
[1]Globalstar began deploying the replacement satellite constellation intended to restore two-way service capacity.
- 2007
SPOT messenger launched
[1]Globalstar subsidiary SPOT LLC introduced a handheld satellite messaging and tracking device.
- 2004
Restructuring completed
[1]The company completed restructuring after Thermo Capital Partners assumed operational control.
- 2002
Chapter 11 filing
[1]Globalstar and three subsidiaries entered bankruptcy protection proceedings.
Products and positioning
Remote-area satellite connectivity for enterprise, government, industrial, maritime, and recreational users, complemented by satellite-enabled IoT and private wireless spectrum.
Satellite telephony · 1999
Globalstar satellite phones
Globalstar satellite handsets provide voice calling and selected data functions through the company’s low Earth orbit network and gateway infrastructure. Depending on the model and region, devices have used CDMA-based authentication or GSM SIM cards. Service availability depends on satellite visibility and gateway coverage, so the phones are intended for remote and field environments rather than universal global coverage.
Satellite messaging · 2007
SPOT Satellite Messenger
SPOT Satellite Messenger is a compact personal safety and location-sharing device introduced by Globalstar’s SPOT subsidiary. Its principal use cases include transmitting location information, predefined status messages, and emergency alerts from areas without dependable cellular service. The product helped extend Globalstar’s consumer presence beyond conventional satellite telephony.
Two-way satellite messenger · 2018
SPOT X
SPOT X is a two-way satellite messenger with GPS location tracking, navigation-related functions, social-media linking, and direct communication options with emergency services. It is designed for travelers, outdoor users, and workers who require text-based communication and location visibility outside terrestrial network coverage.
Tracking devices
SPOT Trace and SPOT Gen4
SPOT Trace and SPOT Gen4 support location reporting and tracking applications for personal property, vehicles, equipment, and other assets. They use satellite connectivity to transmit position and status information where cellular coverage may be unavailable, supporting recreational, commercial, and industrial monitoring use cases.
Satellite IoT hardware
Globalstar simplex and duplex modems
Globalstar’s modem portfolio includes simplex products such as STINGR, STX2, STX3, ST100, SmartOne C, and SmartOne Solar, as well as duplex voice/data modules including the GSP-1620 and GSP-1720. These components support asset tracking, telemetry, monitoring, SCADA, and other machine-to-machine applications.
Terrestrial wireless spectrum · 2020
Band 53 and n53 spectrum
Globalstar commercializes licensed terrestrial spectrum known as Band 53 and its 5G New Radio implementation n53. The spectrum is positioned for private wireless networks, carrier deployments, cable operations, and system-integrator solutions. XCOMP technology is intended to increase capacity in dense wireless environments.
Satellite Wi-Fi
Sat-Fi2
Sat-Fi2 and Sat-Fi2 RAS provided satellite Wi-Fi hotspot and remote-antenna capabilities. Globalstar later discontinued both services as part of portfolio changes.
Brand decisions
2026
Agree to Amazon acquisitionM&ABackground
Amazon announced plans to expand its satellite communications activities through its Amazon Leo business.
Action taken
Amazon announced an agreement to acquire Globalstar for $11.57 billion, with the transaction intended to close in 2027 and Apple-device support continuing.
Aftermath
The announced transaction remained subject to closing conditions; until completion, Globalstar continued as a public company.
Proposed acquisition value. $11.57 billion (Announced April 14, 2026)
2024
Expand constellation with Apple supportStrategyBackground
Demand associated with satellite-enabled smartphone services created a need for additional network capacity.
Action taken
Globalstar disclosed an arrangement involving a 20% Apple stake and plans to increase the constellation to 54 satellites.
Aftermath
The plan deepened the commercial relationship with Apple and positioned Globalstar for greater satellite-to-device capacity.
2022
Support Apple satellite emergency messagingProduct launchBackground
Apple sought to provide emergency communication for compatible iPhones outside cellular coverage.
Action taken
Globalstar’s network was used for Apple’s satellite emergency messaging service in the United States and Canada.
Aftermath
The arrangement increased the strategic importance and consumer visibility of Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure.
2021
Discontinue Sat-Fi2 servicesOtherBackground
Globalstar reviewed its satellite Wi-Fi product portfolio.
Action taken
The company discontinued Sat-Fi2 and Sat-Fi2 RAS.
Aftermath
Globalstar continued emphasizing satellite messaging, tracking, IoT, voice, and spectrum offerings.
2010
Deploy second-generation satellite constellationGeneration changeBackground
Aging first-generation spacecraft and amplifier failures had reduced the reliability of two-way services.
Action taken
Globalstar deployed a new constellation of 24 second-generation satellites designed for a longer operating life.
Aftermath
Deployment completed in 2013 and restored system capacity for voice, data, and related services.
2007
Launch spare satellites to protect interim serviceStrategyBackground
Premature degradation of first-generation S-band amplifiers threatened two-way voice and duplex-data availability before the replacement constellation could be deployed.
Action taken
Globalstar launched eight additional first-generation satellites and provided an availability-prediction tool while continuing development of the second-generation system.
Aftermath
The spare spacecraft provided an interim operational buffer; the longer-term solution was deployment of 24 second-generation satellites between 2010 and 2013.
Recent events
FCC approves Amazon Leo’s planned acquisition of Globalstar[3]
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon Leo’s plan to acquire Globalstar for $11.5 billion.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
FCC approves Amazon Leo’s acquisition of Globalstar[4]
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon Leo’s acquisition of Globalstar, including the transfer of control of Globalstar licenses. The source does not state the approval date.
Reported
Rocket Lab launches eight Globalstar satellites[5]
Rocket Lab successfully launched eight satellite platforms built for MDA Space to replenish Globalstar's existing communications constellation, the first batch of 17 platforms under a $143 million contract with MDA Space.
Reported
Rocket Lab deploys eight satellite platforms for MDA Space supporting Globalstar network[6]
Rocket Lab successfully deployed eight satellite platforms built for MDA Space on August 15, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, as the first batch of a 17-platform constellation under a $143 million contract to replenish Globalstar's direct-to-device network.
Reported
MDA Space deploys first eight replenishment satellites for Globalstar's LEO constellation[7]
MDA Space Ltd. successfully deployed the first eight replenishment satellites for Globalstar Inc.'s existing low Earth orbit constellation. The satellites were launched on August 15, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and will undergo in-orbit tests during the commissioning phase. This marks MDA Space's first delivery as a prime contractor for commercial communications constellations.
Reported
Globalstar unveils SPOT Gen4 satellite messenger[8]
Globalstar unveiled SPOT Gen4, a new addition to its SPOT satellite-enabled tracking and safety product portfolio, with upgraded mapping and geofencing capabilities.
Reported
Temeda and Globalstar announce worldwide reseller partnership[9]
Temeda announced a sales partnership with Globalstar under which Temeda will resell Globalstar’s SmartOne C and SmartOne Solar satellite asset managers to its clients worldwide.
Reported
Globalstar and Ceres Tag partner on livestock trials[10]
Globalstar announced a partnership with Ceres Tag to conduct final-stage, large-scale commercial trials of Ceres Tag’s livestock information platform in Australia.
Sources11 sources
- 1Globalstaren.wikipedia.org
- 2Globalstar official websiteglobalstar.com
- 3美国联邦通信委员会批准亚马逊Leo收购Globalstar的计划finance.eastmoney.com
- 4FCC批准Amazon Leo收购Globalstarfinance.sina.com.cn
- 5火箭实验室发射八颗Globalstar卫星themarketreporter.co.uk
- 6火箭实验室为MDA Space部署八颗卫星平台以支持Globalstar网络foreignpolicyjournal.com
- 7MDA Space为Globalstar低轨星座部署首批八颗补充卫星canadianmanufacturing.com
- 8Globalstar推出SPOT Gen4卫星通讯设备africanreview.com
- 9Temeda与Globalstar宣布全球经销合作prweb.com
- 10Globalstar 与 Ceres Tag 合作开展牲畜试验ibtimes.com.au
- 11Globalstar unveils SPOT Gen4 satellite messenger in EMEAtechnicalreviewmiddleeast.com
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