Apple’s supplier objected to SpaceX’s request for access to more frequency bands

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 14, it announced the addition of a satellite communication system to the phones of this family, and later it became clear that the Cupertinos went to Globalstar satellites to provide this feature. to report Extreme TechGlobalstar says recent plans by SpaceX, Inc Elon Muskmay jeopardize Globalstar’s ability to serve.
Apparently, SpaceX has asked the Federal Communications Commission to grant the company access to more bands. The company plans to use the additional spectrum for its mobile service, which will be launched next year. SpaceX says there are ways to prevent interference with Globalstar services; But Globalstar does not agree with this claim.
The recent move by SpaceX is just one of the steps taken by the company to access more bands. A few months ago, Elon Musk’s space company requested access to the 2.0 GHz band to transmit data through it. This band is currently owned by Dish.
Currently, SpaceX is requesting access to the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands instead of the 2.0 GHz band. Globalstar services are provided using these two bands. SpaceX wants to use the 1.6 GHz and 2.0 GHz bands to upload data and go to the 2.4 GHz band for downloading. SpaceX’s satellite communication service could theoretically communicate with smartphones in areas where cellular service is not available.
Globalstar has said that it doubts the claims of Elon Musk’s space company about non-interference; Therefore, it has asked the Federal Communications Commission not to grant SpaceX access to the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Globalstar has claimed that its request is now more urgent; Because this company has started official cooperation with Apple.
The release of the new generation iPhones has just started and surely millions of people will be getting their hands on the iPhone 14 in the coming weeks. With Globalstar and Dish facing off against SpaceX, the case at the Federal Communications Commission is likely to enter a new phase.
It is unlikely that SpaceX will retreat from its positions; Because last week, the company explained its reasons for accessing more bands. SpaceX says the Federal Communications Commission has not granted Globalstar exclusive access to the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands; But Globalstar has had exclusive access to parts of these two bands for a long time.
The only company that can force itself into the field of mobile satellite services is SpaceX. SpaceX is not licensed to access traditional mobile communication bands; But now it owns the largest set of satellites in the earth’s orbit. The number of satellites of this company in the earth’s orbit is about 3,000. SpaceX adds more than 60 new satellites to orbit with each Falcon 9 reusable rocket launch.
SpaceX has said that next year the giant Starship rocket will send the second generation of Starlink satellites into orbit. These satellites will provide mobile communication service to smartphone users in cooperation with T-Mobile operator. Elon Musk says that the second generation satellites are too big and it is not possible to carry them with normal rockets.
I have to say Globalstar currently has 48 satellites in low earth orbit at a distance of 1,400 km and thanks to these satellites, Apple is months ahead of SpaceX and T-Mobile in the field of satellite communication system.
Source link