Why and how Elon Musk’s SpaceX is lobbying FCC to block iPhone satellite provider Globalstar

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is said to be lobbying the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to block iPhone satellite provider Globalstar from launching its new “C3” constellation. SpaceX is reportedly urging the FCC to reject Globalstar’s application, arguing that the proposed constellation, designed to expand satellite features on upcoming iPhones, is “premature.” The core of SpaceX’s opposition lies in Globalstar’s planned use of the 1.6GHz and 2.4GHz radio spectrum bands. The Elon Musk-led rocket company has argued that the FCC should first consider opening these spectrum bands for shared use among all mobile satellite service providers before approving Globalstar’s application.

This move comes after SpaceX itself requested the FCC to examine opening up these bands, making Globalstar’s application, in SpaceX’s view, “premature.”