FCC authorizes Globalstar's next-generation C-3 satellite system
The FCC cleared Globalstar's 48-satellite C-3 constellation to operate nationwide for direct-to-device smartphone connectivity.
what happened
The FCC authorized Globalstar to operate its third-generation C-3 satellite constellation, comprising 48 low Earth orbit satellites at 1,414 km plus six on-orbit spares, with about 90 ground station antennas in the US and other countries, per Via Satellite and an Investing.com report. Globalstar CEO Paul Jacobs said "receiving this FCC authorization is a critical step forward for continuing to enhance the capabilities of our low Earth orbit satellite constellations." MDA Space is building the satellites, which are scheduled to begin launching in 2027 and will be controlled from Toulouse, France and Globalstar's Covington, Louisiana headquarters.
why it matters
The authorization clears Globalstar, which Apple has funded as a network partner and which Amazon has agreed to acquire, to sell direct-to-device satellite connectivity to smartphones nationwide once C-3 launches, giving Amazon a second funded D2D constellation path alongside its own Leo filing and setting up more direct competition with SpaceX's Starlink Direct to Cell and AST SpaceMobile for device-makers and carriers.
for who
Smartphone makers and carriers evaluating direct-to-device satellite partners
signal-to-noise
quick facts
- Companies
- Globalstar
- Category
- regulatory
- Impact
- major
- SNR
- 4 / 5
- Event date
- 2026-10-19
- Published
- 2026-10-19 22:51 UTC