iPhone 14 Satellite Provider to Fight SpaceX's Starlink Over Spectrum Access
Globalstar, the company behind the iPhone 14's satellite connectivity, is fighting a SpaceX effort to use the same radio spectrum for its Starlink satellite mobile service.
The dispute concerns the 1.6GHz and 2.4GHz bands, which Globalstar already uses for its own satellite communication services, including for the iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS feature. Last week, SpaceX asked the Federal Communications Commission for access to the same spectrum so that Starlink can deliver connectivity to mobile devices.
Globalstar initially remained mum on how it would respond to SpaceX’s plan. But on Thursday, the company sent(Opens in a new window) its own public filing to the FCC, demanding it deny the spectrum access.
“The Commission should reject this request, which lacks sufficient technical justification, contradicts settled Commission precedent, and jeopardizes important public interest-enhancing services including emergency services provided by Globalstar and its partners for more than two decades,” the filing says.
Globalstar’s main gripe is about SpaceX potentially causing communication interference with its own satellite systems. “SpaceX has offered no data and no assessment, and has not demonstrated that the addition of SpaceX’s proposed operations in Globalstar’s licensed spectrum band could happen without creating a substantial and untenable risk to Globalstar’s MSS (mobile satellite service) network and customers,” the filing says.
Globalstar also argues it needs protected access to the 1.6/2.4GHz bands, given that the company is now going to power emergency satellite connectivity for the iPhone 14, which is expected to be sold to millions of consumers. The company is also questioning why SpaceX is requesting access
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