Globalstar is the satellite operator supplying emergency SOS and Text messages for Apple’s iPhones. Apple says it wants to expand the service and will invest $1.1 billion (€1.01 bn) and an equity stake to fund more satellites for Globalstar.
Currently owners of recent iPhones (14, 15 and 16 versions) can access Globalstar’s satellites for emergency service when they are out of range of their own cellular networks. Apple will take a 20 percent stake in Globalstar and is buying 400,000 Class B shares for $400 million. $232 million of this will go to pay down existing debt. Apple’s total investment could reach $1.75 billion.
Globalstar, in its SEC filing on October 29th, stated that the company will continue to allocate 85 percent of its network capacity to Apple. The new cash will be used to purchase new satellites and expand Globalstar’s ground infrastructure. Apple has been reported to want to considerably expand its satellite offerings and use Globalstar to bypass terrestrial networks.
The satellite operator already has 31 satellites on-orbit and another 26 are being built. The new cash could help fund 40 to 80 extra satellites, depending in craft complexity. It is reported – but not confirmed – that Canada-based satellite builder MDA is constructing at least 36 extra satellites for Globalstar. MDA is confirmed as the builder of the 17 satellites (plus 9 spares) which are due for launch in 2025.
Apple’s goal is to move the system beyond emergency and simple Text messaging and to handle data and ultimately voice calls and perhaps video chat. Globalstar forecasts that its total annual revenue will more than double compared to 2024 annualized levels during the first full year following the launch of the expanded satellite services.
Globalstar SOS connectivity has expanded to Japan, New Zealand and Australia as well as existing North America and European access. Currently the service is free, although 2025 could see charges imposed.
Globalstar’s stock price (on the New York exchange) rose by 40 percent at one point on November 1st, finishing the day 31.43 per cent up (and a further rise of 7.25 per cent in after-hours trading). The price rise gives the company a market capitalization of $2.6 billion.
SES extends Telekom Srbija satBroadcasting contract for another four years
SES stated, “This renewal reinforces a successful collaboration that began in 2011 with a first capacity agreement and expanded in 2018 with the launch of Telekom Srbija’s DTH platform, M:Sat TV.”
Under the agreement, SES will continue providing multi-transponder capacity to enable Telekom Srbija to deliver an SD and HD payTV channel offering across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia as part of its M:Sat TV platform. The agreement also includes uplink and backup services for transponders and redundant fibre connectivity for the entire platform.
“This comprehensive agreement with Telekom Srbija reinforces our position as an important satellite provider in the Balkans,” said Norbert Hölzle, Global Head of Media/SES. “Telekom Srbija’s continued trust in our services demonstrates the enduring value of our satellite services and our ability to deliver premium content to audiences across a wide geographic area.”
“The extension of our relationship with SES ensures we can continue delivering high-quality entertainment to our subscribers across the region,” said Katarina Subotić, Chief Sales Officer at Telekom Srbija. “Their proven track record of reliable service delivery, combined with their dedicated sales and marketing support, makes them an ideal partner as we continue to grow our DTH platform.”
