France Authorizes Globalstar’s Third Generation C-3 System for International Operations
France granted spectrum authorization for 20 years and space-segment authorization for the system’s 13-year design life.
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 (GSAT) received French authorizations for its third-generation C-3 satellite system to use frequencies, launch and operate in orbit. France’s Ministry for Digital authorized operations across the entire Big LEO mobile satellite services band for 20 years, while the Ministry for Space authorized the space segment for its 13-year design life.
Globalstar expects C-3 to launch in 2027 for direct-to-device connectivity. The planned system comprises 48 low-Earth-orbit satellites and six in-orbit spares, supported by 89 ground station antennas worldwide. C-3 now has operating authorization in more than 20 countries, including Germany, covering markets with a combined population exceeding one billion people. Globalstar plans to seek additional authorizations before commercial services begin.
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
- Moderate pointFrench approvals authorize C-3 spectrum operations for 20 years and space operations for its 13-year design life.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Globalstar expects the C-3 system to launch in 2027 for direct-to-device connectivity.
- Minor pointC-3 operating authorizations cover more than 20 countries, representing markets with over one billion people.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Globalstar plans to secure additional country and regional authorizations before commercial services begin.
Negative
- None.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Purpose-built for D2D connectivity and expected to launch next year, C-3 is now authorized in over 20 countries
COVINGTON, La., Nov. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT), a next generation telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, today announced that France’s Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty (Ministry for Digital) and Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Space (Ministry for Space) have issued authorizations to Globalstar France SAS to utilize frequencies, launch and operate on-orbit its previously announced third-generation C-3 Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) System.
These authorizations reflect the continued cooperation between Globalstar and the Republic of France, ensuring that Globalstar’s satellite systems maintain operations in compliance with applicable national regulations and the global regulatory framework established through the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), as has been done for over twenty-five years.
The Ministry for Digital has authorized Globalstar’s C-3 operations over the entirety of the Big LEO MSS band for 20 years. The Ministry for Space has authorized Globalstar to launch and operate the C-3 space segment for its entire design life of 13 years.
Notified to the ITU by the Republic of France under the name AST-NG-C-3, the C-3 System will comprise 48 LEO satellites operating at an altitude of 1414 kilometers along with 6 in-orbit spares, supported by 89 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 Center (SOCC) located in Toulouse, France, along with a U.S. facility located at Globalstar’s corporate headquarters in Covington, Louisiana.
France’s authorizations confirm growing international regulatory momentum for Globalstar’s C-3 system, which has now received authorization to operate in more than 20 countries, including a recent authorization from Germany. Together, these approvals represent markets with a combined population of more than one billion people.
“Receiving these authorizations from France is another critical step forward for our C-3 program and its operations globally,” said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, CEO of Globalstar. “France has long been an essential part of Globalstar’s success, and these approvals 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. C-3 represents Globalstar’s next step forward in our continuing evolution.”
“With our existing HIBLEO system today, more people have access to Globalstar than any other wireless network on Earth – hundreds of millions of people around the world have Globalstar connectivity at their fingertips. With the launch and operation of Globalstar’s third-generation C-3 mobile satellite system next year, Globalstar will bring to market a next-level ability to ensure that a global public remains connected no matter where they may be located,” said L. Barbee Ponder, General Counsel & Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar. “To date, more than 20 countries on 4 continents have authorized C-3 for operation, representing well over one billion people. We will continue to work to secure additional authorizations to operate C-3 in new countries and regions, ensuring that C-3 is as broadly available as possible at commencement of commercial services.”
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 RANTM and trusted GPS messengers Saved by SPOTTM 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 authorizations did France grant Globalstar’s C-3 satellite system?
France authorized C-3 spectrum operations across the entire Big LEO mobile satellite services band for 20 years and launch and orbital operations for the space segment’s 13-year design life. The authorizations were issued to Globalstar France SAS.
When does Globalstar expect to launch C-3?
Globalstar expects C-3 to launch in 2027. The system is designed for direct-to-device connectivity and is planned to include 48 low-Earth-orbit satellites plus six in-orbit spares.
Where will Globalstar control the C-3 satellite system?
C-3 will be commanded and controlled from Globalstar’s dedicated Satellite Operations Control Center in Toulouse, France, along with a U.S. facility at its corporate headquarters in Covington, Louisiana.