Globalstar's FCC Green Light Positions It as a 5G and IoT Powerhouse

The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) approval of Globalstar's C-3 System petition on May 30, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the satellite communications industry. This regulatory milestone not only validates Globalstar's strategic vision but also positions the company to dominate emerging markets for secure, global IoT and private 5G networks. With its LEO constellation expansion and advanced spectrum capabilities, Globalstar (NASDAQ: GSAT) is now primed to capitalize on a multi-billion-dollar opportunity, making it a must-watch stock for tech-infrastructure investors.

Regulatory Validation Reduces Execution Risk

The FCC's acceptance of Globalstar's C-3 petition for public comment removes a critical hurdle to its $1.1 billion LEO constellation upgrade. This system, designed to complement its existing Gen3 satellites, includes 48 new satellites operating at 1,414 kilometers—optimizing signal strength and coverage. Crucially, the FCC's decision reflects confidence in Globalstar's ability to deploy these satellites without harmful interference, a key concern raised by competitors like SpaceX and France's AST-NG-C-4 project.

Globalstar's staunch defense of its exclusive rights to the 1.6/2.4 GHz spectrum—arguing that changes to the regulatory framework would jeopardize investment—has paid off. By avoiding a protracted rulemaking process, the company retains operational certainty, accelerating its timeline to deploy the C-3 satellites. With six already launched at a lower altitude, Globalstar is demonstrating execution capability, a stark contrast to rivals bogged down by regulatory delays.

Strategic Infrastructure for 5G and IoT Dominance

The C-3 system's technical advancements—dynamic beamforming, higher EIRP, and global Earth station upgrades—position Globalstar as a leader in next-gen connectivity. Its 90 new antennas across 35 gateways in 25 countries will bolster latency-sensitive applications like real-time IoT telemetry and private 5G networks. This infrastructure is directly tied to Globalstar's Band 53/5G capabilities, enabling customers to build secure, low-latency networks for industrial IoT, maritime communications, and government systems.

The partial funding from Apple (AAPL)—evident in regulatory filings involving CCC Communication Holdings France—hints at a deeper partnership. This alliance could open doors to Apple's vast ecosystem, particularly in consumer IoT devices where seamless satellite connectivity is increasingly critical. Meanwhile, Globalstar's SPOT GPS messengers and cloud-based telematics solutions already serve millions, and the C-3 upgrade will amplify their reliability and reach.

A Moat Against Mega-Constellation Competitors

Globalstar's 20-year track record in the “Big LEO” spectrum band creates a formidable barrier to entry. While competitors like AST-NG-C-4 (with its 8,834 satellites) and SpaceX's Starlink vie for overlapping frequencies, Globalstar's existing licenses and FCC-backed exclusivity shield it from disruptive interference. The company's opposition to spectrum-sharing rule changes ensures its services remain stable—a key differentiator for enterprise clients relying on 24/7 connectivity.

Furthermore, Globalstar's XCOM RAN technology, designed for dense wireless environments, gives it an edge in 5G private networks. As industries like manufacturing and healthcare adopt IoT-driven automation, Globalstar's hybrid satellite-terrestrial infrastructure becomes indispensable.

Why Buy Globalstar Now?

The FCC's approval slashes execution risk and sets Globalstar on a clear path to revenue growth. With satellites already in orbit and Earth stations under construction, the company is entering a phase of rapid scaling. Investors should also note that GSAT's valuation remains undervalued relative to its growth prospects:

• Near-Term Catalysts: Public comment period results (Q3 2025), C-3 satellite launches, and new enterprise IoT contracts.
• Long-Term Tailwinds: Global IoT spend is projected to hit $1.5 trillion by 2030, with satellite-backed solutions growing at 20%+ annually.
• Apple's Stake: Suggests strategic alignment with tech giants, unlocking cross-selling opportunities.

Final Call: Act Before the Surge

Globalstar's C-3 approval is a turning point. The stock is a buy for investors seeking exposure to 5G, IoT, and the satellite revolution. With regulatory risks minimized and execution underway, GSAT is poised to outperform as demand for global connectivity surges. Don't miss the chance to board this rocket ship before Wall Street catches on.

Disclosure: The author holds no position in GSAT or related entities.