Elon Musk Challenges Apple’s Satellite Expansion Amid Globalstar Investment

Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite and Roadside Assistance via Satellite services in the U.S. face a potential roadblock as Elon Musk pushes back against the company’s investment in Globalstar, a competitor to his Starlink network.

Spectrum Battle: Apple vs. Starlink The issue revolves around spectrum rights, which are divided among satellite operators like Starlink, Globalstar, Echostar, Viasat, and Iridium. Apple has invested over $1 billion in Globalstar to help it secure additional satellite communication bands, which directly competes with Musk’s Starlink.

Musk has reportedly urged the FCC to reject Globalstar’s application for new satellite network rights, which could impact Apple's long-term expansion plans.

Apple and SpaceX: A Tense Relationship While Apple and SpaceX have collaborated before, their dealings have been far from smooth. Apple previously partnered with T-Mobile to use Starlink, but negotiations were reportedly tense. Talks about directly connecting iPhones to Starlink satellites have taken place but seem unlikely for now.

Interestingly, Globalstar has hired SpaceX to launch the Apple-funded satellites, ensuring some financial benefit for Musk’s company, even if the FCC denies Globalstar’s request.