Globalstar, the renowned American satellite communications company now owned by tech giant Apple, has joined forces with SpaceX to launch a dedicated satellite aimed at bolstering the iPhone's emergency SOS feature. The partnership entails a substantial investment of $64 million by Globalstar in SpaceX for satellite launches, with the ambitious goal of having these satellites operational by 2025. Notably, Apple has committed to covering a significant portion of the project costs, shouldering 95 percent of the financial burden, including launch expenses. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing emergency satellite connectivity, particularly in regions where traditional cellular networks are unavailable.
Apple took the initiative to introduce the Emergency Satellite Network feature with the iPhone 14 in 2022. This innovative feature empowers users to send text messages and essential location information during emergencies when cellular and Wi-Fi networks are out of reach, facilitating quicker and more efficient rescue operations.

The partnership between Globalstar and SpaceX is occurring amid a legal battle between the two entities. Globalstar has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, accusing the space exploration company of attempting to secure the radio spectrum necessary for its upcoming mobile service. The dispute revolves around the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz radio bands, with Globalstar contending that SpaceX's actions could impact the availability of emergency SOS services via satellite. Elon Musk, the billionaire behind SpaceX, had previously hinted at discussions between Starlink and Apple regarding satellite network facilities in a tweet issued in September 2022.
Under the terms of the current agreement, Globalstar will launch a minimum of 17 new satellites into low-Earth orbit. Globalstar has already inked a $327 million contract with MDA for these satellites. Additionally, Apple has committed a further $450 million towards the development of essential infrastructure to support emergency SOS services for iPhone 14 models. Apple's substantial investment is anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of Globalstar's satellite network and ground stations, ultimately leading to more effective and reliable iPhone emergency services. Globalstar Executive Chairman Jay Monroe views the launch of Emergency SOS on the iPhone as a groundbreaking development in the field of satellite communications.

In practical terms, when a user activates the iPhone's Emergency SOS Via Satellite feature, their message is relayed to one of Globalstar's 24 satellites in low-Earth orbit. Subsequently, the message is routed via satellite to a chosen station, selected by the sender from a range of stations situated worldwide. Apple's goal with this feature is to simplify and expedite user rescue in emergency situations. Currently, this service is available in select countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Austria. With this promising partnership between Globalstar, Apple, and SpaceX, users can anticipate more robust and efficient emergency satellite connectivity on their iPhones, further enhancing safety and peace of mind in critical situations.