Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT) has plans to bring-into-use the company’s HIBLEO-XL-1 satellite system filing in preparation for its next era of mobile satellite connectivity.
Since 2000, Globalstar has been operating its current mobile satellite system (MSS) and providing service over the same Big Low Earth Orbit (LEO) frequency bands, investing billions of dollars to expand, innovate and commercialize mobile satellite services that are now at the fingertips of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
In November of 2024, Globalstar announced an additional investment of $1.5 billion in a third-generation mobile satellite system called C-3, which will include 48 additional satellites supported by approximately 90 new ground station antennas installed globally.
The company’s current system and C-3 satellites will operate over Globalstar’s same licensed Big LEO frequency bands, altitude and inclination. The C-3 System’s higher power downlink capabilities are expected to greatly improve the user experience for anyone accessing Globalstar to meet their communications needs.
With this announcement, Globalstar takes an important step toward further expansion of its global MSS capabilities with plans to bring its HIBLEO-XL-1 system into use. The HIBLEO-XL-1 system, filed through France, includes numerous additional satellites, orbital shells and frequency bands, including currently licensed L-, S- and C-band frequencies, as well as additional MSS bands for mobile uplink and downlink as well as additional feeder-link spectrum.
Dr. Paul Jacobs, Globalstar CEO, said, “We believe that bringing HIBLEO-XL-1 into use provides Globalstar with significant optionality as the Company grows as a major provider of connectivity in the global space economy that is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. We look forward to providing operational updates on our progress as we enter a new era in Globalstar’s expanding investments in connecting everyone, everywhere. Globalstar’s mission is mission-critical communications, which has led us to the forefront of LEO satellite communications, providing reliable and affordable solutions across to consumers and industries where and when they need us.”