Globalstar Inc., a key satellite communications partner for Apple, is making plans to enter India’s burgeoning satcom market. The U.S.-based satellite company, known for providing emergency SOS services on Apple’s iPhones, aims to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India and establish a land earth station gateway.
Globalstar’s satellite-based SOS services, introduced in 2023 on iPhone models including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, rely on its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to provide emergency connectivity where mobile and Wi-Fi coverage are unavailable.
In a recent submission to India’s telecom regulator, Globalstar expressed its intention to apply for a GMPCS (global mobile personal communications by satellite services) authorization and establish its satellite gateway in India. The company anticipates that no additional stringent requirements will be imposed for GMPCS authorization as a result of this new license.
Earlier this year, Globalstar sought clearance from the Department of Telecommunications to launch its services in India, aiming to offer satcom solutions for Apple devices within the country.
Globalstar joins other major players like Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon-backed Project Kuiper, which are also exploring opportunities in India’s satellite communications sector. Currently, Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Orbit Connect India— a joint venture between Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Platforms and Luxembourg’s SES— hold GMPCS permits and IN-SPACe authorizations.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has announced that it will soon begin consultations on the allocation of spectrum for satellite-based communication services. This follows a previous consultation paper returned to the Department of Telecommunications after the announcement of the new Telecommunication Act. Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti confirmed that a new consultation paper will be released in the coming month to address the terms and conditions for spectrum allocation.
