FCC Approves Globalstar's Next-Gen C-3 Satellite Constellation Ahead of Amazon Acquisition

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The US FCC has granted nationwide operational approval for Globalstar’s new C-3 satellite system, strengthening its regulatory position as Amazon plans to acquire the company to expand direct-to-device connectivity.

Globalstar has received approval from the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its upcoming satellite system, C-3, designed to provide next-generation connectivity to hundreds of millions of mobile devices across the country. This approval comes as Amazon prepares to acquire Globalstar for $11.6 billion, aiming to bolster its direct-to-device (D2D) communication services.

The FCC's authorization permits nationwide operation of the C-3 system, which will enable direct satellite links to smartphones and other mobile devices. The license also includes authorization for ground stations with six-meter diameter antennas situated in key locations such as Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

The C-3 constellation will comprise 48 satellites in low Earth orbit approximately 1,414 kilometers above the Earth, supplemented by six on-orbit spares and around 90 ground-based antennas worldwide. Construction of the satellites is underway by MDA Space in Canada. Operational control will be managed from facilities in Toulouse, France, and at Globalstar's headquarters in Louisiana, with France having filed the system notification with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Globalstar's CEO, Paul Jacobs, characterized the FCC's green light as a critical milestone for enhancing the company’s service capacity, performance, and flexibility. Regulatory affairs lead Barbee Ponder noted this approval concludes a multi-year licensing effort with the FCC's Space Bureau.

Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar aligns with the tech giant’s strategy to challenge competitors like SpaceX's Starlink by expanding its satellite D2D ecosystem, known as Amazon Leo. In an additional regulatory filing in July, Amazon requested FCC approval to deploy up to 5,105 satellites intended for direct device connectivity services.

According to Amazon representative Zack Brown, as of October, Amazon has deployed 396 low Earth orbit satellites and constructed over 1,000 units at its large-scale production facility in Kirkland, Washington.

Globalstar benefits from a longstanding partnership with Apple, which has invested over $1 billion in the company. The current Globalstar satellite network supports several iPhone functionalities including emergency messaging, satellite messaging, roadside assistance, and location sharing. Amazon has also signed a separate deal to provide satellite connectivity for both current and future Apple devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch, committing to sustain these services.

The Amazon-Globalstar transaction, expected to finalize in 2027 pending regulatory approvals and specific satellite milestones, positions the combined entity to significantly enhance satellite-based mobile connectivity in the United States and beyond.