Globalstar's Bold Move: Transforming India's Satcom Landscape with Apple-Backed Satellite Tech
Image: Apple's satcom partner GlobalStar seeks approval from Indian govt
Image Courtesy: MediaNama
In an exciting development for India’s growing satellite communication (satcom) market, Globalstar, a key partner of Apple for satellite-based emergency SOS services, is gearing up to establish a strong presence in the country.
As India emerges as a significant market for satellite communication, Globalstar is set to join the ranks of other major players like Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon-backed Project Kuiper.
This blog explores Globalstar’s strategic plans, its potential impact on the Indian market, and the broader context of satcom services in India.
Globalstar’s Entry into the Indian Market
Globalstar Inc., the U.S.-based satellite company known for providing emergency SOS services on Apple’s iPhones, is making significant moves to enter the Indian satcom market.
The company is eager to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in India, aiming to offer its satellite-based communication services directly to Indian consumers.
This move is part of Globalstar’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and ensure compliance with regulatory standards across various countries.
Apple’s Satellite-Based SOS Services
Image: Apple
Image Courtesy: TelecomTalk
In 2023, Apple introduced satellite-based emergency SOS services on its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Pro models.
These services, powered by Globalstar’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, enable users to access emergency help via satellite in situations where traditional mobile or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable.
This technology has the potential to be a game-changer, particularly in remote areas where connectivity is often a challenge.
Globalstar’s Strategic Plans for India
Globalstar’s plans in India go beyond just offering satellite services. The company has proposed setting up a land earth station gateway in India, which is a critical infrastructure for providing global mobile personal communications by satellite services (GMPCS).
In its submission to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on July 31, Globalstar emphasized the importance of entering the Indian market, describing it as “the single-largest market that Globalstar has been previously unable to enter.”
Globalstar also expressed hope that its entry into the Indian market would not face new or overly burdensome regulatory requirements, particularly concerning the establishment of a satellite earth station gateway.
Regulatory Landscape and Challenges
Before launching its services, Globalstar will need to secure a GMPCS permit from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and obtain necessary regulatory approvals from the Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).
These approvals are essential for any satcom service provider looking to offer commercial broadband services from space in India.
Currently, companies like Bharti Group-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Platforms’ Orbit Connect India have already obtained the required GMPCS permits and IN-SPACe authorizations.
However, other players like Starlink and Project Kuiper are still in the process of securing these permissions.
The Future of Satcom in India
India’s satcom market is rapidly evolving, with several global and domestic players keen to tap into its vast potential.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is actively working on creating a framework for the allocation of spectrum for space-based communication services.
According to TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, the regulator will soon release a consultation paper to determine the terms, conditions, and modalities for this process.
Globalstar’s entry into the Indian market, along with its proposal to establish a gateway and secure the necessary permits, is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity in the country.
With its near-global coverage through the LEO satellite system, Globalstar is well-positioned to offer reliable and efficient satellite communication services in India.
Conclusion
Globalstar’s planned foray into India marks an exciting chapter in the country’s satcom sector.
As it joins other tech giants in exploring opportunities in this nascent market, Globalstar’s innovative approach, coupled with Apple’s cutting-edge technology, promises to revolutionize how Indians stay connected, even in the most remote areas.
With regulatory frameworks evolving and new players entering the field, the future of satellite communication in India looks promising, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and digital inclusion across the nation.