Globalstar, Inc. announced today that the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") commencing a formal proceeding to allow Globalstar to deploy a terrestrial broadband network over 22 MHz of spectrum in the 2.4 GHz band.  As Globalstar requested, the proposed new rules would allow the Company to provide terrestrial broadband services over its 11.5 MHz of previously-licensed S-band spectrum at 2483.5-2495 MHz, as well as the adjacent 10.5 MHz of unlicensed spectrum at 2473-2483.5 MHz.

As provided in the 2010 National Broadband Plan, these proposed rules are consistent with the FCC's policy to more intensively use satellite spectrum to meet the nation's growing demand for mobile broadband services while preserving mission-critical mobile satellite capabilities. Upon final adoption of these rules, Globalstar can maximize the utility of this resource, adding a full 22 MHz to the nation's inventory of available terrestrial broadband spectrum. 

Further, consistent with the Company's proposed near-term and long-term procedural structure for considering terrestrial use in Globalstar's Big LEO spectrum, the FCC confirmed that Globalstar's L-band proposal will be addressed separately from this proceeding.

"The FCC's release of Globalstar's requested Notice of Proposed Rulemaking last Friday represents a seminal development and yet another step forward in Globalstar's renaissance," said Jay Monroe, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "We look forward to receiving the public's comments and working towards a final order over the next several months."

Globalstar will host a conference call Wednesday, November 6th, 2013, at 10:00am EST to discuss this recent development.  Please join us for what promises to be an informative discussion regarding the proposed rules, next steps and near-term outlook for permanent terrestrial relief.