Short Answer: SpaceX agreed to buy $17B of EchoStar spectrum (AWS-4/H-Block) to power Starlink Direct to Cell. Apple’s partner Globalstar responded by advancing a broader satellite plan, including its new HIBLEO-XL-1 filing and a third-gen C-3 constellation. For iPhone owners, Emergency SOS/messaging remains free until late 2026 in supported regions.
What just happened?
SpaceX is buying EchoStar spectrum worth about $17 billion. The package centers on mid-band frequencies (the 2 GHz AWS-4 block and PCS H-Block) that SpaceX plans to use for Starlink Direct to Cell, letting ordinary phones connect to satellites more like a cell tower in the sky. The FCC probe tied to EchoStar’s spectrum use is being closed.
Why it matters: owning mid-band spectrum gives SpaceX more control than leasing from carriers. It also raises the bar for competitors in satellite-to-phone.
Where Globalstar fits in Apple’s satellite strategy
Globalstar is Apple’s satellite backbone for iPhone features like Emergency SOS via satellite and Messages via Satellite. Apple seeded this with $450M from its Advanced Manufacturing Fund in 2022, later adding funding up to $1.5B (including a 20% equity stake and $1.1B prepayment) to expand coverage and ground infrastructure. Apple also extended satellite features free until November 2026 for eligible iPhone 14/15 owners.
Globalstar disclosed Apple’s right to use ~85% of its network capacity, explaining why the iPhone experience is tightly coupled to Globalstar’s L/S-band constellation.
What do iPhone users get today?
Emergency SOS, roadside assistance in select markets, and off grid texting in iOS 18 routed over Globalstar satellites and Apple-operated ground links. It’s narrowband (texts, location), not full web access. Pricing is still to-be-determined after late 2026.
Globalstar’s new play: HIBLEO-XL-1 and the C-3 constellation
Globalstar announced plans to bring HIBLEO-XL-1 “into use.” In plain terms, it’s a regulatory filing (through France) that paves the way for additional satellites, orbital shells, and frequency bands beyond today’s L/S/C Big LEO allocations expanding Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) options and feeder links.
Separately, Globalstar’s C-3 program adds 48 satellites plus roughly 90 new ground antennas, with higher power downlinks for a stronger user link budget. Globalstar also signed a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch services agreement for remaining replacement satellites tied to its earlier MDA contract.
What is HIBLEO-XL-1?
A Globalstar filing that broadens its future satellite blueprint more satellites, more orbits, and more bands (beyond today’s L/S/C) to scale MSS coverage and capacity. It’s a framework for growth, not an instant consumer feature.
Direct to Cell vs. narrowband SOS: what’s the difference?
- Radio + Bands:
- Starlink Direct-to-Cell: targets mid-band spectrum (e.g., AWS-4/H-Block) so regular phones can talk to satellites with LTE/5G-like behavior. Needs compatible spectrum support in phones.
- Globalstar iPhone SOS: uses L/S-band MSS links optimized for short messages and location with custom workflows through Apple UI and ground stations.
- Antenna/Throughput: D2D aims for higher throughput (potentially many Mbps per user later); SOS is narrowband, suited to emergency messaging.
- Time to scale: Direct-to-Cell depends on spectrum clearance and device radio support. SOS is live now in supported regions.
Will current iPhones talk to Starlink D2D?Not today. The SpaceX deal secures spectrum, but handset support for those bands and commercial rollout still need time. iPhone SOS via Globalstar continues on Apple’s existing setup.
Will iPhone satellite stay free?
Apple extended the free period to late 2026 for iPhone 14/15 activated before the stated cutoff. Apple hasn’t announced pricing; the likely path is keep SOS free and monetize enhanced messaging later. For now, nothing changes for users.
Who wins near-term? A practical comparison
| Factor | Globalstar (Apple) | SpaceX (Starlink D2D) |
|---|---|---|
| Live features | SOS, off-grid texts (iOS 18), roadside in select markets | SMS testing with carriers; consumer D2D roadmap forming |
| Spectrum today | Big LEO L/S/C MSS | AWS-4/H-Block mid-band (pending approvals/ integration) |
| Hardware needs | Works on iPhone 14+ today | May need handset band support in future devices |
| Scale path | C-3 satellites + HIBLEO-XL-1 expansion | New D2D payloads + mid-band ownership |
| User impact next 12 months | More reliable SOS/messaging, coverage lifts | Pilot D2D grows; full data later |
Risks, gotchas, and what to watch
- Regulatory: Big moves trigger coordination at FCC/ITU; EchoStar probe closed after sales, but D2D coexistence rules are still evolving.
- Device radios: Mid-band D2D traction depends on OEM support.
- Economics: Satellite ARPU vs cost to serve off-grid users is still being tested.
Mini case studies
- Backcountry rescue (today): SOS via Globalstar has documented saves in areas with no coverage; the workflow is text + location relayed to emergency centers.
- Rural gaps (next): Direct to Cell could lift basic connectivity where towers are uneconomical, but mass-market data speeds will take time.
What did SpaceX buy from EchoStar?
SpaceX agreed to acquire AWS-4/H-Block spectrum from EchoStar for about $17B. The mid-band licenses enable Starlink Direct-to-Cell, letting ordinary phones connect to satellites more like a roaming cell tower. The deal reduces SpaceX’s reliance on carrier-leased spectrum.
What is Globalstar’s HIBLEO-XL-1 plan?
It’s a Globalstar filing to bring into use a larger satellite system with more satellites, shells, and bands, expanding Mobile Satellite Service capacity and feeder links beyond current Big LEO L/S/C operations.
Is iPhone satellite still free?
Yes. Apple extended free satellite features for iPhone 14/15 activated before the cutoff, now through late 2026 in supported regions. Pricing after that hasn’t been announced.
What’s the difference between Direct-to-Cell and iPhone SOS?
Direct-to-Cell aims for higher-throughput mid-band service to regular phones. iPhone SOS over Globalstar is narrowband messaging and location relay designed for emergencies and short texts.
Source: Apple | Globalstar | Reuters
