Globalstar Applies to IN-SPACe to Enable Apple’s Satellite Emergency Messaging in India

In a significant development that could pave the way for satellite-based emergency services on iPhones in India, Globalstar, the satellite communications partner for Apple Inc., has officially submitted an application to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). The move marks a critical step towards enabling Emergency SOS via Satellite functionality for Apple devices within the Indian subcontinent — a capability currently operational in select markets such as the US, Canada, UK, and parts of Europe.

What is Apple’s Satellite Emergency Messaging?

Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature allows iPhone users to send distress messages and share their location even when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. This service, introduced with the iPhone 14 series and extended to newer models like the iPhone 15, is designed to assist users in life-threatening situations, such as being stranded in remote areas without traditional connectivity.

The service utilizes Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to transmit short-burst data (SBD) packets that include the user’s GPS coordinates, emergency information, and battery level, among other critical metadata.

Globalstar’s Role and Technical Infrastructure

Apple partners with Globalstar Inc., a US-based satellite communications company, to power its Emergency SOS feature. Globalstar owns and operates a constellation of 25 LEO satellites in operational orbit (as of 2024), supported by ground stations and gateways worldwide.

Key technical details include:

• Satellite Type: LEO (Low Earth Orbit)

• Orbital Altitude: ~1,414 km (880 miles)

• Frequency Bands Used: S-band for user links (2483.5 – 2500 MHz) and L-band for gateway links

• Bandwidth: Narrowband channels, optimized for low data rates suitable for emergency text messaging

• Data Rate: Typically under 9.6 kbps, sufficient for emergency communication packets

• Coverage: Nearly global, excluding polar regions, subject to regulatory approval

Globalstar's satellites communicate directly with compatible iPhones, allowing users to point their devices toward passing satellites and send pre-defined emergency messages.

Regulatory Pathway: Application to IN-SPACe

India’s space sector was opened to private participation in 2020, and IN-SPACe (under the Department of Space) was established to act as a single-window authority for all commercial space activities. For any foreign or domestic entity to operate satellite services in India, it must obtain clearance from IN-SPACe, in addition to spectrum authorization from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Globalstar has now officially applied to IN-SPACe for permission to operate satellite-based messaging services in India. The application is reported to request clearance for:

1. Use of satellite spectrum in the S-band for consumer terminals (iPhones)

2. Ground station installation or collaboration with Indian partners for routing messages to emergency services

3. Service integration with India’s public safety and disaster response infrastructure

India’s Growing Focus on Satellite Communication

The move aligns with India's growing emphasis on satellite communications for both consumer and national resilience applications. Domestic players like Bharti-backed OneWeb, JioSpaceFiber, and Starlink have also been actively pursuing spectrum and regulatory approvals to offer broadband or specialized services via satellites.

Unlike broadband services, Apple’s Emergency SOS does not require persistent high-throughput connectivity. It relies on short-burst, store-and-forward messaging, making it more feasible in spectrum-constrained or regulatory-heavy environments.

Potential Challenges and Opportunities

While the application by Globalstar signals progress, the service rollout in India may still face several hurdles:

• Spectrum Licensing: India's DoT has traditionally auctioned satellite spectrum, which could delay or complicate approvals for narrowband services.

• Security Clearances: As messages might be routed via foreign satellites and ground stations, security agencies may seek end-to-end control and oversight mechanisms.

• Localization Needs: Apple may need to integrate with India's 112 Emergency Response System and provide multilingual support.

However, the potential upside is immense. India’s vast rural and remote geography — including Himalayan regions, deserts, and coastal belts — makes it an ideal market for satellite-based emergency communications.

What This Means for Apple Users in India

If the IN-SPACe application is approved and subsequent regulatory steps are completed, iPhone users in India could gain access to Emergency SOS via Satellite, enhancing personal safety during natural disasters, treks in remote locations, or vehicular accidents where conventional networks are unavailable.

The feature is free for two years upon iPhone activation in supported regions, and future pricing models may be regionally adapted depending on Apple's and Globalstar’s agreements with Indian regulators.