FCC Authorizes Globalstar’s Third-Generation C-3 System for Operations in the United States
The authorization also permits ground station antennas across six U.S. locations to communicate with C-3 satellites.
Sentiment and the balance of points
Rhea-AI Sentiment reads the wording of the document, how positive or negative its language is on a 1 to 5 scale. The balance of points shown with the takes weighs what the document actually discloses, so the two can disagree, for example when a trial that missed its main goal is described in upbeat language.
Rhea-AI Summary
Globalstar (NASDAQ: GSAT) received FCC authorization to operate its third-generation C-3 satellite system nationwide in the United States. The authorization allows C-3 satellites to communicate with hundreds of millions of mobile earth terminals in the country, including smartphones through direct-to-device connectivity.
Globalstar expects satellite launches to begin next year. The planned system will comprise 48 low Earth orbit satellites and 6 in-orbit spares, supported by approximately 90 six-meter ground station antennas worldwide. Satellite operations will be controlled from Toulouse, France, and Covington, Louisiana.
How this balance works
Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.
It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.
Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.
Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works
Positive
- Major pointFCC nationwide authorization permits C-3 operations, including direct-to-device smartphone connectivity in the United States.
- Minor pointGround station authorization covers antennas in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Planned constellation comprises 48 satellites and 6 in-orbit spares; Globalstar expects launches to begin next year.
Negative
- None.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Purpose-built for direct-to-device connectivity, C-3 satellites are expected to launch beginning next year
COVINGTON, La., Oct. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT), a next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, today announced that the United States Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued an order granting Globalstar nationwide authority to operate its previously announced third-generation C-3 MSS System. This authorization is the result of the continued cooperation between Globalstar and the FCC that now spans more than three decades. With this authorization, Globalstar’s C-3 satellites will be able to communicate with hundreds of millions of mobile earth terminals located in the United States, including direct-to-device (“D2D”) connectivity to smartphones. This authorization also permits Globalstar’s ground station antennas located in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico to communicate with its C-3 satellites.
“Receiving this FCC authorization is a critical step forward for continuing to enhance the capabilities of our low Earth orbit satellite constellations,” said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, CEO of Globalstar. “This approval will ensure our ability to deliver next-generation satellite services that combine increased capacity, improved performance, and greater flexibility to users for years to come.”
Notified to the ITU by the Republic of France under the name AST-NG-C-3, the C-3 System will comprise 48 low Earth orbit satellites operating at an altitude of 1414 kilometers along with 6 in-orbit spares, supported by approximately 90 six-meter ground station antennas installed around the world to usher in a next generation of global D2D connectivity. The C-3 System will be commanded and controlled from Globalstar’s dedicated satellite operations control centers in Toulouse, France and at Globalstar’s corporate headquarters in Covington, La.
"With satellite operations controlled from Covington, La and Toulouse, France, satellites manufactured by MDA Space in Canada, and U.S.-manufactured ground station antennas installed in over 20 countries around the world, C-3 is truly a global system that will support the communications needs of a global public,” said L. Barbee Ponder, General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar. “On behalf of everyone at Globalstar, we express our sincere appreciation to the FCC and specifically the Space Bureau for their professionalism and tireless efforts to bring this multi-year licensing effort to a successful conclusion.”
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar is a global telecommunications provider connecting what matters most. Through our industry-leading low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and licensed Band 53/n53 spectrum, we deliver reliable satellite and terrestrial connectivity solutions that empower customers worldwide to connect, transmit, and communicate smarter.
Our comprehensive connectivity ecosystem includes software-defined, purpose-built private wireless network platform, coupled with Globalstar Band 53 in XCOM RAN™ and trusted GPS messengers Saved by SPOT™ for safety and personal communication for business and enterprise applications.
Serving business, enterprise, and consumer markets across the globe, Globalstar supports applications that track and protect assets, enable automation, enhance operational efficiency, and safeguard lives. With unmatched reach and a relentless focus on innovation, and mission-critical performance, we're redefining what's possible for global connectivity.
To learn more, visit www.globalstar.com.
Media Contact:
Alisa Moloney
Alisa.Moloney@globalstar.com
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What does Globalstar's FCC authorization allow the C-3 system to do?
The authorization permits nationwide C-3 operations in the United States, including communication with hundreds of millions of mobile earth terminals and direct-to-device smartphone connectivity. It also permits ground station antennas in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico to communicate with C-3 satellites.
When does Globalstar expect C-3 satellite launches to begin?
Globalstar expects C-3 satellite launches to begin next year. The planned system will comprise 48 low Earth orbit satellites and 6 in-orbit spares.