Apple-Backed Globalstar Joins India’s Satcom Race After Starlink, Kuiper

After Elon Musk’s Starlink and Jeff Bezos-led Project Kuiper, Apple’s satellite communications (satcom) partner Globalstar is preparing to launch its services in India. The Louisiana-based company has filed an application with the Centre’s nodal agency, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), according to reports.

Apple’s emergency SOS feature—powered by Globalstar’s network—allows iPhone users to send messages and share their location even without cellular or Wi-Fi service. Currently, Globalstar dedicates 85% of its network capacity to Apple. In return, Apple invested $1.5 billion in the company last November, acquiring a 20% stake. However, Globalstar operates only 31 satellites, compared to Starlink’s constellation of over 7,000.

According to reports, Globalstar has yet to apply for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which is necessary to obtain spectrum for satcom services.

The company reportedly informed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) last year that it plans to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in India, seek GMPCS authorization, and meet rollout conditions. It emphasized that its services are designed for areas beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks and that it also plans to set up earth station gateways in the country.

Starlink, Kuiper Still Waiting for Govt Nod

Currently, Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper are also waiting to receive GMPCS licenses and IN-SPACe approvals. Earlier reports suggest these may be granted by June this year. In an interview earlier, Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed Starlink’s pending applications since 2021, stating, "They have to check off all the boxes, and the minute they do that, they will get their licence."

Starlink has partnered with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to distribute its devices once it receives the necessary approvals.

In the meantime, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is finalizing its recommendations on satellite spectrum allocation, pricing, and other regulatory terms. Once the government gives the green light, Bharti Airtel-led Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio—both of which have already secured clearances—will be able to launch satellite broadband services in India.

According to a KPMG report, India’s satcom market is expected to grow from $2.3 billion in March 2024 to $20 billion by 2028.