Apple's Satellite Partner Globalstar Eyes Entry into India's Nascent Satcom Market

Globalstar Inc., the US-based satellite operator providing emergency SOS services for Apple’s iPhones, is set to enter India’s burgeoning satellite communication (satcom) market. The company, which powers Apple’s satellite-based SOS services on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro, is keen to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in India. This move will allow users to access emergency SOS services via satellite in situations where mobile or Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable.

Plans to Establish Land Earth Station Gateway in India

In its submission to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on July 31, Globalstar revealed plans to apply for GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite Services) authorization. The company also intends to establish a land earth station gateway in India, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. "India represents the single-largest market that Globalstar has been previously unable to enter," the company stated, expressing optimism about regulatory approvals.

Joining the Race with Starlink and Project Kuiper

Globalstar’s entry into India’s satcom market aligns it with other global giants like Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon-backed Project Kuiper, both of which are exploring opportunities in India. However, unlike Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Orbit Connect India—a joint venture between Jio Platforms and Luxembourg’s SES—Starlink and Project Kuiper are still awaiting GMPCS permits and landing rights approvals from IN-SPACe, India’s national space sector regulator.

Regulatory Landscape and Spectrum Allocation

Globalstar’s expansion comes at a crucial time as the Indian government prepares to streamline regulations for satellite-based communication services. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is expected to release a consultation paper on the administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite-based telecom services within a month, according to Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti. This development follows the return of the reference to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) after the announcement of the new Telecommunication Act.

As Globalstar prepares to launch its services in India, the company’s near-global coverage LEO satellite system promises to enhance communication capabilities across the country. This move could significantly impact the Indian satcom landscape, providing new opportunities for both consumers and businesses in the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.