What Happened to Globalstar, Inc.?
Globalstar is a telecommunications company operating a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, providing mobile satellite services, IoT solutions, and terrestrial spectrum for private 5G networks. After overcoming early financial challenges, the company has seen a significant resurgence, largely driven by its strategic partnership with Apple for iPhone emergency services and recent expansion into two-way satellite IoT and XCOM RAN private wireless solutions, achieving record revenues in 2025.
Quick Answer
Globalstar, Inc. has transformed from a satellite communications pioneer that faced early bankruptcy into a key player in global connectivity, notably through its partnership with Apple for Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhones. The company reported record revenues of $273.0 million in 2025 and is expanding its offerings in two-way satellite IoT and private 5G networks with its XCOM RAN technology. As of April 14, 2026, reports indicate that Amazon is in advanced talks to acquire Globalstar, which could significantly bolster Amazon's Project Kuiper initiative.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Globalstar Project Launched
The Globalstar project was initiated as a joint venture between Loral Corporation and Qualcomm, with the vision to provide global satellite telecommunications.
Globalstar LP Formed
Globalstar LP was formally established as a limited partnership, with financial participation from several international companies including Alcatel, AirTouch, Deutsche Aerospace, Hyundai, and Vodafone.
First Call on Globalstar System
The first call on the original Globalstar system was successfully placed between Qualcomm chairman Irwin Jacobs and Loral Space & Communications CEO Bernard Schwartz.
Full Commercial Service Begins
Globalstar launched full commercial voice and data services in North America, Europe, and Brazil with its initial constellation of 48 satellites.
Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Globalstar Telecommunications filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to significant debt and liabilities.
Second-Generation Satellites Launched
Globalstar launched 24 second-generation satellites in a series of launches to restore its system to full service and provide enhanced capabilities.
3GPP Approves n53 Spectrum
The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) approved n53, the 5G variant of Globalstar's Band 53 terrestrial spectrum, enabling new private wireless network opportunities.
Apple Partnership for Emergency SOS Announced
Apple announced a partnership with Globalstar to enable Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone 14 users in the U.S. and Canada, a feature later extended to newer iPhone models.
Apple's $1.5 Billion Investment and 20% Stake
Apple announced a $1.5 billion investment in Globalstar, taking a 20% equity stake and committing funds for a next-generation satellite constellation and ground infrastructure upgrades, further solidifying their partnership.
Record Full Year 2025 Revenue Announced
Globalstar announced record full-year 2025 revenue of $273.0 million, a 9% increase from 2024, and a significantly reduced net loss, reflecting strong operational performance and growth in wholesale capacity and commercial IoT services.
Partnership with Boingo Wireless for Private 5G
Globalstar announced a partnership with Boingo Wireless to advance private 5G deployments using Globalstar's XCOM RAN technology.
XCOM RAN by Globalstar Launches Next-Gen Private 5G Solution
XCOM RAN by Globalstar launched its end-to-end private 5G solution, aiming to boost the adoption of physical AI for automation initiatives.
Reports of Amazon Acquisition Talks Emerge
Reports from Bloomberg News indicate that Amazon.com is nearing a deal to acquire Globalstar, a move that would significantly expand Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite connectivity ambitions.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Globalstar, Inc. was initially launched in 1991 as a joint venture between Loral Corporation and Qualcomm, aiming to provide affordable, high-quality digital telecommunications via a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The company began commercial service in early 2000, but faced significant financial difficulties, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2002.
The company underwent reorganization and, between 2010 and 2013, successfully launched its second-generation satellites to restore full service. A pivotal turning point arrived in 2022 when Globalstar announced a strategic partnership with Apple Inc., enabling Emergency SOS via satellite functionality for iPhone 14 and newer models. This collaboration significantly increased Globalstar's visibility and provided a stable revenue stream, with Apple reserving 85% of Globalstar's network capacity for the service.
In November 2024, Apple deepened its commitment with a substantial $1.5 billion investment in Globalstar, acquiring a 20% equity stake and providing funds for a next-generation satellite constellation and ground infrastructure upgrades. This investment was also used to refinance a portion of Globalstar's debt, strengthening its financial position. The company's terrestrial spectrum, Band 53, and its 5G variant, n53, also gained approval from the 3GPP in March 2020, opening doors for private wireless network solutions.
Globalstar demonstrated strong financial performance in 2025, reporting a record full-year revenue of $273.0 million, a 9% increase from 2024, and a significantly reduced net loss of $8.7 million. The company also achieved a record Adjusted EBITDA of $136.1 million. This growth was driven by increased wholesale capacity services and higher commercial IoT device sales, as Globalstar expanded its two-way satellite IoT capabilities and rolled out its RM200M module.
As of early 2026, Globalstar continues to focus on expanding its global ground infrastructure, developing its next-generation C-3 satellite constellation (with planned launches in 2026), and commercializing its XCOM RAN private 5G solution. In February 2026, Globalstar partnered with Boingo Wireless for private 5G deployments, and in April 2026, XCOM RAN by Globalstar launched its next-generation end-to-end private 5G solution. Most recently, on April 14, 2026, reports emerged that Amazon.com is in advanced discussions to acquire Globalstar, a move that would significantly enhance Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite internet initiative and intensify competition in the LEO satellite market.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Globalstar, Inc. made different choices?