Globalstar is exploring a potential sale and is holding early talks with possible buyers, including SpaceX. The company hired a bank to review its options. No decision is final. But the talks show how fast satellite tech is changing and why it matters now.

SpaceX enters the frame

Globalstar (GSAT) is weighing several paths as interest rises in low-orbit networks and next-generation wireless links. People close to the talks say SpaceX is in early conversations. More bidders may appear. Globalstar has not yet committed to a sale and could stay independent.

Apple (AAPL) sits in the background as a key partner. It relies on Globalstar for satellite messaging and emergency alerts. Apple invested about $1.5 billion last year to expand the network and took a stake of about 20%. That gives Apple a built-in voice in Globalstar’s future even if it does not bid.

Globalstar shares jumped more than 30% during the day after the news and closed up 26% at $52.24. The move valued the company at $6.6 billion. Reports say Chair James Monroe has floated values above $10 billion in private talks. Every bidder will review the expected future demand for connectivity.

The next era of mobile connectivity

This moment matters because satellites are shifting from niche tools to mainstream infrastructure. Low-orbit constellations help connect phones, cars, shipping fleets, and field gear. A buyer with deep capital and strong engineering could move Globalstar into its next phase of global coverage.

Apple’s role shows how device makers now want control over service layers once seen as optional. If Apple tightens its hold, directly or indirectly, it could change how people use emergency and off-grid features. It could also widen the gap between devices with strong satellite links and those without them.

All these trends converge while low-orbit systems are still young. A takeover that boosts Globalstar’s reach could speed up new features across phones, wearables, and connected tools. Space will decide who owns the next era of mobile connectivity.

Who gains and who loses in this satellite shakeup?

From our investor’s point of view, we see a clear split between winners and those at risk. Globalstar shareholders benefit first if a bidding fight pushes values toward $10 billion. We see upside because strategic buyers rarely engage unless they expect long-term gains from spectrum rights, network assets, or tight device integration.

Apple (AAPL) holds leverage. Its stake gives it influence even without buying the rest of the company. If a buyer strengthens Globalstar’s network, Apple gains because its emergency features get better. That puts pressure on rivals like Alphabet (GOOG) and Samsung. They do not yet have the same deep link between hardware and satellite services. Telecom carriers such as Verizon (VZ) and AT&T (T) face risk as satellite-to-phone service improves. Better off-grid coverage could weaken rural wireless profits, one of their last steady sources of cash.

SpaceX, if it moves ahead, could pair Globalstar’s assets with Starlink. That would widen its lead over Amazon’s Kuiper project. We see this as a bullish signal for companies tied to satellites and a warning for those that depend on older wireless models. Globalstar (GSAT) has a Disruption Score of 3. Click here to learn more about our scoring system.