Globalstar and Skylo pursue partnership to expand satellite messaging

Apple’s satellite‑messaging partner Globalstar is reportedly moving beyond iPhone devices by seeking a partnership with Skylo to support Android phones. In a filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, Skylo requested permission to use the 1610‑1618.725 MHz and 2483.5‑2500 MHz bands and to increase the number of devices it can serve. The company outlined a new “ANT 4” category that could handle emergency, safety and short‑message data services for up to 250 million devices, following earlier requests to boost three existing device classes.

Skylo already provides free satellite messaging for Verizon and Google Pixel phones, relying on satellite partners such as Viasat, EchoStar, Inmarsat and Ligado Networks. Industry competition is intensifying, with SpaceX acquiring valuable spectrum from EchoStar and AST SpaceMobile striking a deal with Ligado. Analyst Tim Farrar warned that Skylo could be displaced from some existing agreements as the market reshapes.