FCC Authorizes Globalstar’s Third-Generation C-3 System for Operations in the United States
Key Highlights
- ➤FCC grants Globalstar (GSAT) nationwide authority to operate its third-generation C-3 MSS System
- ➤C-3 satellites authorized to provide direct-to-device connectivity to U.S. smartphones
- ➤C-3 System comprises 48 LEO satellites plus six in-orbit spares
- ➤FCC authorization covers Globalstar ground stations across six U.S. locations
Expert Statements
Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, CEO of Globalstar
“Receiving this FCC authorization is a critical step forward for continuing to enhance the capabilities of our low Earth orbit satellite constellations.”
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.”
L. Barbee Ponder, General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar
“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,”
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.”
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.
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.