SpaceX Is Blocking Apple’s Satellite Messaging Expansion: Report

Highlights

• SpaceX is reportedly blocking Apple’s satellite messaging expansion.
• WSJ report suggests SpaceX is pressuring the FCC to reject Globalstar’s application for additional spectrum rights.
• Apple and SpaceX are clashing over the limited spectrum needed for their services.

Caption – Apple’s satellite messaging service. (Image credit – Apple)

A new report from The Wall Street Journal claims that SpaceX is trying to block Apple’s efforts to expand its satellite messaging service by pressuring the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to intervene. With Elon Musk’s strong connections to both the White House and the FCC chair, SpaceX may have a significant advantage in this dispute over radio spectrum.

Is SpaceX Blocking Apple’s Expansion?

As demand for satellite messaging grows, Apple and Globalstar need more bandwidth. To support this, Globalstar applied to the FCC for additional radio frequencies.

However, SpaceX has asked the FCC to delay the approval because it wants the same frequencies for its Starlink satellite broadband service.

The report says, “Apple is clashing with Elon Musk in its push to eliminate cellphone dead spots with satellite technology […] To build capacity, the companies are competing for valuable spectrum rights—airwaves to carry their signals—which are in limited supply. Apple’s outer-space investments have drawn Musk’s ire, people familiar with the matter said. SpaceX has pushed federal regulators to stall an Apple-funded satellite expansion effort.”

“SpaceX recently asked the Federal Communications Commission to dismiss a Globalstar application seeking permission to use certain spectrum for the new network of Apple-financed satellites, documents show. It called the airwaves it uses to carry Apple users’ emergency signals an underused resource,” the report added.

Interestingly, Apple and SpaceX have previously discussed a partnership to allow iPhones to connect directly to Starlink. However, it appears Apple has decided to stay with Globalstar for the time being.

Meanwhile, Apple has also allowed access to T-Mobile’s satellite service, which does use Starlink’s network.

Apple’s Satellite Messaging

Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite with the iPhone 14 in 2022, allowing users to send emergency messages to 911 even in areas without mobile coverage.

Since its launch, the service has been credited with saving multiple lives. Apple later expanded its satellite functionality by adding Roadside Assistance for car trouble in remote locations in 2023. In 2024, Messages via satellite was introduced, allowing users to contact family and friends when mobile networks are down, especially useful during natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

Apple provides this service through a partnership with Globalstar and has invested over $1 billion in the company last year to help expand its network.

FAQs

Q1. Why is SpaceX reportedly blocking Apple’s satellite messaging expansion?

Answer. SpaceX has asked the FCC to reject Globalstar’s application for additional spectrum rights, as it wants the same frequencies for its Starlink satellite broadband service.

Q2. How has Apple expanded its satellite messaging services?

Answer. Apple introduced Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022 and later added Roadside Assistance in 2023 and Messages via satellite in 2024, partnering with Globalstar for these services.

Q3. What is the dispute between Apple and SpaceX over spectrum rights?

Answer. Apple and SpaceX are competing for the limited radio spectrum required for their services, with both companies prioritizing their satellite technology needs.

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