FCC Authorizes Globalstar’s Third-Generation C-3 System for Operations in the United States
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
