Who Is Globalstar?

Globalstar is a next-generation telecommunications provider delivering reliable, next-generation connectivity solutions through both satellite and terrestrial infrastructure. With a proprietary satellite network and exclusive access to licensed mid-band spectrum (Band 53 and Band n53), Globalstar offers end-to-end voice, data, and asset tracking services that power critical operations across enterprise, government, and consumer markets. From emergency communications and IoT deployments to private wireless and spectrum-based solutions, Globalstar delivers the resilient coverage and flexibility a connected world demands.

Headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, with regional offices around the globe, Globalstar is more than its technology; it’s a team of dedicated engineers, sales leaders, developers, and operations experts driven by a shared mission:

To make connectivity seamless, secure, and accessible anywhere on Earth.

A Peek Into Our Network

120+ Countries
Globalstar connects you to the people and information that matter most around the world.

26% Revenue
Commercial IoT service revenue as both subscriber count and average pricing increased.

350+ Employees
Located in 9 different
countries around the world.

24 Stations
Ground stations serve as a bridge between LEO satellites and traditional communications infrastructure on six continents.

Have Questions?

Globalstar History: A Legacy of Innovation in Satellite Communications

Globalstar has been an industry leader in delivering mobile satellite services (MSS) since the early 2000s, which makes us one of the first organizations to introduce satellite messenger products to the market. We were granted the FCC’s initial authorization to provide MSS in 1995, and we commenced with commercial MSS in 2000. Globalstar introduced SPOT, a consumer mass market personal messaging device and service in 2007.

We represent more than 100 counties with strong regional presences in North America, Central and South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and South Africa.

Globalstar is supported through our workforce of roughly 400 global employees across 15 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many satellites Does Globalstar operate?

Globalstar owns and operates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of satellites currently in a Walker-24 configuration. Later this year, we plan to expand to a Walker-32 configuration—featuring 8 orbital planes with 4 satellites per plane—for improved coverage and redundancy.

What is a Walker constellation?

A Walker constellation refers to a structured satellite layout in which multiple satellites are evenly spaced across a set number of orbital planes. Globalstar’s Walker-24 setup includes 8 planes, each spaced around the equator at an altitude of 1,414 km and an inclination of 52 degrees, with 3 satellites per plane. Because the satellites are constantly orbiting (with ~114-minute orbital periods), this approach avoids fixed “blind spots” and enables persistent, global coverage.

How many ground stations does Globalstar have?

Globalstar operates 28 ground stations across 18 countries. These ground stations anchor our “bent pipe” architecture, which routes satellite signals directly through the terrestrial network, allowing for easier and faster technology upgrades, reduced latency, and greater operational flexibility than systems requiring full satellite-to-satellite relays.

What is bent-pipe architecture, and how does it compare to other satellite systems?

Bent-pipe (or “transparent relay”) architecture means that satellites simply pass user signals back down to Earth-based ground stations for processing rather than processing them onboard. This enables greater control, lower latency, easier network upgrades, and reduced satellite complexity. In contrast, “mesh” or inter-satellite relay constellations require more complex hardware onboard each satellite and may introduce delays or bottlenecks in processing.

What is Band 53?

Band 53 (also known internationally as n53 in 3GPP specifications) is a block of mid-band spectrum licensed to Globalstar for terrestrial wireless use. It spans 2483.5 to 2495 MHz and is optimized for high-performance, low-latency, interference-free connectivity. Band 53 is licensed in more than a dozen countries.

What is Band 53 used for?

Band 53 is used for private LTE/5G networks and enterprise-grade wireless infrastructure. It’s ideal for mission-critical operations in industrial, defense, transportation, energy, and other sectors that require dedicated bandwidth, high throughput, and predictable performance, especially in environments where Wi-Fi or shared spectrum may struggle.

How does Globalstar support consumer safety?

Globalstar’s SPOT family of personal satellite devices supports emergency messaging, GPS tracking, and check-in functionality—even beyond cellular coverage. These devices have helped initiate thousands of rescues worldwide and are essential for outdoor recreation, lone-worker safety, and disaster preparedness.

Can Globalstar work with smartphones?

Yes. Globalstar supports satellite-to-smartphone capabilities via partnerships and network infrastructure that enables satellite-based messaging. This adds a layer of redundancy for users in areas prone to cellular outages or natural disasters.

How does Globalstar support emergency response?

Globalstar’s satellite solutions provide first responders with reliable, off-grid connectivity for voice, messaging, tracking, and IoT data. Whether in a hurricane zone, wildfire region, or remote search-and-rescue operation, Globalstar helps ensure that communication lines remain open.