Apple is preparing to invest approximately $1.5 billion in the
satellite company Globalstar, Azernews
reports.
This investment will enhance Globalstar’s satellite network,
which has been used to manage the emergency messaging service that
allows users to send text messages via satellite since the launch
of the iPhone 14.
The service enables the phone to connect directly to Globalstar
satellites without the need for an external antenna or network
coverage. According to a document published by the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission, Apple will invest around $400 million to
acquire a 20% stake in Globalstar and will make an additional
upfront payment of $1.1 billion for the establishment of a new
network.
The service currently operates with 31 first-generation
satellites. Although specific amounts have not been disclosed,
Apple had already invested in Globalstar in 2022 to fund
improvements to the existing network.
Apple’s second investment will be used to finance the second
generation of the Globalstar network, about which little is
currently known.
A new challenge facing mega-satellite internet coverage is
providing direct internet connectivity to smartphones without the
use of external antennas, which is made possible mainly through the
modernization of satellites with upgraded antennas.
Globalstar has already confirmed that approximately 80% of its
satellite network coverage in the coming years will be allocated to
Apple, while the remaining portion will be available for other
applications and customers.
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