France has authorised Globalstar's third-generation C-3 satellite system for international operations, the company announced on Monday, 9 November 2026.

Two French ministries issued the authorisations to Globalstar France SAS: the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, and the Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Space. Together they clear Globalstar to use frequencies, launch and operate the C-3 Mobile Satellite Services system on orbit.

What France authorised

The digital ministry authorised C-3 operations across the whole of the Big LEO mobile satellite band for 20 years. The space ministry authorised Globalstar to launch and operate the space segment for its entire design life of 13 years.

The system was notified to the International Telecommunication Union by France under the name AST-NG-C-3. Globalstar said the authorisations reflect more than 25 years of cooperation with France on satellite operations and compliance with national rules and the global framework set by the ITU.

A 48-satellite network for phones

C-3 is designed to connect ordinary smartphones directly to satellites, without special equipment. The system will comprise 48 low Earth orbit satellites operating at an altitude of 1,414 kilometres, along with six in-orbit spares, supported by 89 six-metre ground station antennas installed around the world.

The satellites will be commanded and controlled from Globalstar's dedicated satellite operations control centre in Toulouse, France, alongside a facility at the company's headquarters in Covington, Louisiana, in the United States.

Globalstar says C-3 is purpose-built for direct-to-device connectivity and is expected to launch next year. The service is aimed at places beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, including rural and remote areas, and at keeping people connected during disasters and emergencies.

Regulatory momentum builds

France's decision adds to a growing list of national approvals. Globalstar said C-3 has now received authorisation to operate in more than 20 countries, including a recent authorisation from Germany. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission granted Globalstar nationwide authority to operate C-3 in October 2026.

Direct-to-device satellite service is becoming a crowded field. Satellite operators and mobile carriers are racing to offer messaging, and eventually broadband, to unmodified phones from space. Regulatory clearance in each country is a necessary step before any service can be switched on, and France's authorisation covers both the frequencies and the launch and operation of the satellites themselves.

Globalstar has not announced a launch date for the first C-3 satellites, a launch provider, or pricing for the service. The company says launches are expected to begin in 2027, with the French authorisations now in place for the system's full design life.