The iPhone feature makes it possible to contact emergency teams in remote areas. Apple is funding the expansion of the orbiting satellite network
2 hours ago
photo: YouTube/Playback
Apple is investing $252 million to cover part of the initial costs of replacing the operator’s Globalstar satellite constellation. Currently, cell phones in the iPhone 14 line have the ability to send emergency messages using the operator’s satellites.
In February of last year, Globalstar claimed to have awarded a $327 million contract to build 17 new satellites with the goal of extending the useful life of its planet in orbit. The same contract includes the option to manufacture nine additional satellites at $11.4 million each.
According to the site Space newsThe amount that Apple invested – which was revealed this week – amounts to a “loan” or “advance” to use the satellite network on its devices.
Currently, Globalstar provides a connection from 24 satellites in orbit to provide satellite SOS to iPhone users in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Apple has agreed to recover 95% of the value of the Globalstar Constellation – including financing interest costs. However, the company initially required the satellite operator to raise its own financing or a third party to pay for the new manufacturing contract.
After the news of the availability of investment by the Apple brand, Globalstar shares jumped more than 10%.
Apple Satellite SOS
All new satellites are expected to be launched by the end of 2025. The Canadian MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) will be responsible for the construction, and the launch into space will be carried out by rockets from the North American Rocket Laboratory. – At a cost of 143 million US dollars.
Globalstar intends to allocate 85% of the next-generation constellation’s capacity exclusively to Apple. The remaining 15% will be used to provide connectivity services for IoT (Internet of Things) devices to third parties.
For the next two years, the resource SOS satellite It will be offered free of charge to users of the iPhone 14 line, but only in select countries. It works by sending a simple distress message to rescue teams to locate people who are missing or in emergency situations in remote areas, where there is no coverage of traditional mobile phone networks.
At the moment, it is still not clear what new features Apple intends to introduce after the launch of the new Globalstar satellites.
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