Apple’s iPhone emergency SOS feature will use satellites launched by SpaceX
According to some fresh pieces of information, Globalstar is going to utilize new satellites launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX in order to upgrade the communication network for Emergency SOS via the Satellite iPhone feature. As per the report shared by Nola, Globalstar will be paying SpaceX for this operation.
An SEC filing shares the details of the new agreement. Reportedly, Globalstar will pay $64 million to SpaceX from 2023 to 2025. During this timeframe, SpaceX will launch satellites. In 2022, with the iPhone 14 series, Apple debuted Emergency SOS via the Satellite feature. Such technology enables iPhone 14 users to contact emergency services in cases where no Wi-Fi or cellular connection is available.
For this feature, Apple partnered with Globalstar. At the time of the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature release, the company claimed that the service would be free for up to two years. Until now, the company has not shared any details regarding the cost of the service. Given the new agreement, Globalstar will be paying $64 million to SpaceX. It will be passed on to Apple, and we can expect that the company might impose a small fee in order to allow users to use the SOS feature.
Reportedly, Globalstar will allocate 85% of its current and future network capacity to iPhones. Globalstar will deliver and manage all personnel, software, satellite systems, and more. Moreover, the company will ensure the maintenance of quality and coverage standards.
Prior to the release of the iPhone 14 models, Globalstar borrowed $252 million from Apple to purchase satellite equipment from a Canadian business for $327 million. Currently, the Emergency SOS via Satellite is available to users in Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Portugal.
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