Globalstar advances HIBLEO XL 1 to expand satellite services
Globalstar is preparing a major expansion of its satellite communications capacity as the competition in low Earth orbit intensifies. The company has activated plans for a system called HIBLEO XL 1, an application originally filed through France that outlines thousands of additional satellites, orbital shells, and frequency bands. The move signals an effort to strengthen its position as a provider of global mobile satellite services while rivals, including SpaceX, push forward with cellular-grade connectivity from space.
Since 2000, Globalstar has operated its mobile satellite system using Big LEO frequency bands, investing billions of dollars in infrastructure to deliver coverage to consumers and industries worldwide. The company is also advancing a third-generation constellation known as C-3, backed by a $1.5 billion investment announced in late 2024. That system involves 48 satellites supported by nearly 90 new ground station antennas positioned globally. The design promises higher power downlinks and improved performance for users accessing Globalstar’s network.
HIBLEO XL 1 goes far beyond the scale of C-3. While C-3 is limited to several dozen spacecraft, the HIBLEO XL 1 application details the potential deployment of as many as 3,080 satellites in low Earth orbit. Along with larger numbers of satellites, the plan includes use of additional licensed and new mobile satellite service bands. These cover the company’s existing L, S, and C-band frequencies, as well as extra spectrum for both uplink and downlink traffic, in addition to feeder-link bands for ground-to-space connectivity. Such an expansion would allow higher capacity, broader coverage, and more resilient services across different regions.
The competitive landscape underscores the importance of the decision. SpaceX recently secured a $17 billion agreement to acquire spectrum from EchoStar, which it intends to use for upgrading its Starlink cellular services. At present, the Starlink mobile offering allows satellite-powered texting and limited app connectivity in areas without cellular service. With new spectrum and future satellite deployments, SpaceX has said its system could approach the capabilities of 4G LTE. However, the company has acknowledged that it may take at least two years to integrate the spectrum, launch the necessary hardware, and enable support on compatible smartphones.
Against this backdrop, Globalstar appears to be accelerating its own expansion. By initiating the HIBLEO XL 1 system, the company is positioning itself with more optionality in spectrum, orbital assets, and service reach. Combined with the continuing rollout of C-3, Globalstar’s future network is expected to significantly raise the standard of its mobile satellite services. With financial support already secured from Apple for C-3, the company is laying groundwork to remain competitive in an industry projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.
