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

October 19, 2026

The United States Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has 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.”