iPhones may soon be able to use satellite connections indoors

Sending messages via satellite on iPhones should soon be as easy to as using your mobile network signal, as Apple and satellite partner Globalstar put a new satellite constellation into space.

In an FCC request for authorization, Globalstar shared fresh information on how its new Apple-sponsored C-3 satellite network should provide much more robust connectivity and will be capable of working in cars and buildings. That’s a big deal, as it suggests satellite connections on the iPhone will become much easier; you might not even need to raise your smartphones in supplication to the satellites in the sky.

What Globalstar told us

In its Feb. 14 FCC filing, Globalstar explained that:

The C3 satellite constellation will consist of 48 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

An additional six spare satellites will also be placed in orbit for backup. 

The network will be operated simultaneously and in conjunction with Globalstar’s existing HIBLEO-4 and HIBLEO-X deployments.

The global buildout also means 90 new earth station antennas will be put in place at approximately 35 gateway stations situated in at least five nations.

The constellation represents a $1 billion expenditure and follows a $1.1 billion investment from Apple revealed late 2024.

The filing follows a recent patent for much more stable satellite connectivity.

A related filing in France seems in some way connected with Apple (more below).

Better networking by design

Manufactured by Canada’s MDA Space, the next-generation C3 satellites feature a series of exciting sounding technologies, including dynamic beamforming and higher EIRP transit tech. But perhaps the most exciting thing is that they promise more robust signal strength on the ground. 

“Given this greater signal strength and the availability of multiple satellites overhead, users will have access to much-improved in-building and in-vehicle connectivity with less dependency on antenna orientation,” the filing said. 

If you’ve used any of Apple’s satellite services, you’ll know that doing so involves a user raising their iPhone toward the sky and moving around to find the optimal connection. That experience seems set to improve.

Building out Apple’s satellite services

Can better connectivity enable Apple to enhance its satellite services? That’s not impossible. While it doesn’t promise anything too specific, Globalstar does tell us the satellites will let it expand the products and services it does provide, including “new, innovative direct-to-device satellite features on supported devices, such as Apple’s iPhones.” Globalstar also says the system will enable it to offer additional commercial/enterprise IoT and consumer-based services. 

iPhone users in the US can use satellites to share Messages. The filing suggests this will become a more global service: “Globalstar connectivity will be at the fingertips of hundreds of millions of people when their need to communicate is not met by terrestrial infrastructure.” That’s a pretty clear promise of more to come, possibly to new forms of data connection, or perhaps the extension of existing satellite services to other devices, such as Apple Watch. 

Apple’s blue skies thinking

One more thing. The FCC request refers to an International Telecoms Union filing which describes a network of more than 8,000 satellites and includes satellite frequencies used by Globalstar. That filing was originally made on behalf of France’s Airbus, but Satnews reports this was transferred to CCC Communication Holdings France, a French business entity that seems to be managed by a senior Apple corporate director, Ronald Denwood. 

Denwood previously held directorships in Voysis, Ikinema, Stamplay, and OperateData, all of which were companies acquired by Apple at some point. It’s important not to read too much into that, but it does seem fair to speculate that Denwood’s involvement in CCC Communication Holdings France might illustrate the strategic importance of Apple’s satellite plans.

It’s worth noting that with the satellites offering a lifespan of just 12.5 years, whatever intentions Apple does have are likely to become more apparent in a relatively short time if the company intends to monetize its multi-billion dollar satellite investments before the birds retire. Meanwhile, of course, you can expect to be able to send messages even from within connectivity dead zones.

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Source:: Computer World