The partnership between Globalstar and Apple, which enables satellite messaging on iPhones, is facing potential hurdles due to radio interference concerns from China's BeiDou satellite system. This issue could significantly impact Globalstar's ability to provide seamless satellite services, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Globalstar, a key provider of satellite communication services, has raised concerns with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding "substantial harmful interference" emanating from China's BeiDou navigation system. BeiDou, a Chinese alternative to GPS, has become fully operational with over 30 satellites in various orbits since 2020. Globalstar alleges that BeiDou's operators have not adequately addressed these interference issues despite Globalstar having priority for the satellite radio spectrum, as granted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The interference primarily affects Globalstar's HIBLEO-4 satellite system, which is crucial for its current operations and is slated for an upgrade as part of the development of the upcoming C-3 constellation. The FCC has reportedly already lodged complaints with China's telecommunications regulator regarding the disruptions caused by the BeiDou constellation. These disruptions are said to be impacting messaging traffic and limiting the capacity of the HIBLEO-4 system. However, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has reportedly dismissed these concerns, suggesting the interference may originate from other satellite systems.
The Apple-Globalstar collaboration began in 2022, with Apple investing significantly in Globalstar to facilitate Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14 models. This service allows users to send emergency texts from areas without cellular coverage. Apple's investment included $450 million for critical infrastructure enhancements, including upgrades to Globalstar's ground stations in several U.S. states and Puerto Rico. In late 2024, Apple deepened its commitment with a further $1.5 billion investment in Globalstar, securing 85% of Globalstar's network capacity for its services and taking a 20% equity stake in the company. This expanded partnership aims to enhance satellite services through a new mobile satellite network (MSS), featuring a new satellite constellation and expanded global ground infrastructure.
The potential impact of the interference extends beyond emergency services. Globalstar is also developing two-way satellite IoT solutions for applications like fleet tracking, asset monitoring, and disaster communications. Interference with its satellite network could hinder the reliability and effectiveness of these services.
The situation highlights growing concerns about the increasing activity in low Earth orbit (LEO) and the potential for conflicts over spectrum and orbital space. The rise of satellite constellations has raised issues such as spacecraft collisions, light pollution, and interference with astronomical observations.
Globalstar's predicament underscores the complexities of international satellite communications and the need for cooperation and regulatory clarity to prevent harmful interference. The company has urged the FCC to continue pursuing the ITU's complaint procedures and inter-administration negotiations to resolve the issues. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the future of satellite-based services and the ongoing partnership between Globalstar and Apple.
