Elon Musk Becomes The CEO Of Apple’s Satellite Communications Plan. Apple and Elon Musk’s SpaceX have been embroiled in a dispute over plans to expand satellite services that would make it easier to use phones in places where mobile networks don’t work. The dispute between the two companies has surfaced over the bands used by companies such as Starlink, Globalstar, EchoStar, and Viasat.
Apple has invested more than $1 billion in satellite operator Globalstar. Apple is also working with other satellite service providers, such as EchoStar, to provide additional spectrum access and connectivity support for the iPhone.
Musk has pressured US communications regulators to block Globalstar’s plans to build a new satellite network.
Musk’s SpaceX has launched more than 550 satellites to provide mobile communications through its Starlink network. According to the Wall Street Journal, the two companies are competing for limited frequency spectrum to broadcast their signals.
After lengthy negotiations, SpaceX and T-Mobile agreed to a partnership that would allow their satellite services to work on iPhones.
The latest dispute between Apple and SpaceX is said to stem from the companies’ differing strategies for developing satellite services. Apple wants to provide coverage through a partnership with Globalstar, while SpaceX is trying to advance its Starlink network with its own large satellite fleet.
It is said that SpaceX will benefit financially if regulators block Globalstar’s plans.
