Globalstar receives FCC authorization for C-3 satellite constellation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted Globalstar, Inc. regulatory authority to operate its third-generation C-3 satellite constellation. This low Earth orbit (LEO) system is designed to provide direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity to commercial smartphones across the United States.

The C-3 constellation will consist of 48 operational satellites and six on-orbit spares, operating at an altitude of approximately 1,414 kilometers. The infrastructure supports Apple’s satellite communication services, with Apple commanding 85 percent of the network’s bandwidth for emergency messaging and location tracking.

Satellite manufacturing is being led by MDA Space, with Rocket Lab fabricating the platforms. Mission control operations will be managed through centers in Covington, Louisiana, and Toulouse, France. This regulatory approval comes amid an ongoing process for Amazon to acquire Globalstar to integrate its operations into the Amazon Leo project.