Apple's satcom partner Globalstar eyes Indian market
Globalstar, a leading player in satellite communication (satcom) services and a key partner of Apple, has revealed its intentions to penetrate the Indian satcom market. The US-based firm is known for providing emergency connectivity via satellites for iPhones. In its proposal to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Globalstar disclosed plans to set up a fully-owned subsidiary and construct an earth station gateway on Indian soil.
Strategy to enter India
"India represents the single-largest market that Globalstar has been previously unable to enter," the company stated in its submission to TRAI. To successfully launch commercial broadband services from space in India, Globalstar needs to secure a GMPCS (global mobile personal communications by satellite services) authorization and regulatory approval. Currently, only Eutelsat OneWeb backed by Bharti Group and Orbit Connect India - a joint venture between Jio Platforms (JPL) and Luxembourg-based satcom firm SES - hold these permits.
Global and Indian coverage
In its submission to TRAI, Globalstar outlined a global strategy aimed at expanding its satellite communications business. The company plans to establish a direct presence and ensure regulatory compliance in several countries worldwide. Its low earth orbit (LEO) satellite system offers near-global coverage. This move comes as part of the firm's broader goal to increase its footprint in the rapidly growing global satcom sector.
Partnership with Apple and investment details
In 2022, Apple introduced an emergency SOS feature via satellite using Globalstar's mobile satellite services' (MSS) network. This feature is now accessible to users of the iPhone 14 and 15 series in certain countries. It enables users to send and receive messages through satellite when there is no terrestrial or Wi-Fi coverage. The company has invested around $5 billion in its global satellite network and ground operations.
