On December 16, 2025, Globalstar Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT) announced a significant advancement in drone connectivity through the successful completion of a joint technology trial with Skydio, a premier U.S. drone manufacturer renowned for its innovations in autonomous flight. This trial marked the first successful drone flight utilizing Globalstar’s licensed Band n53 spectrum in conjunction with its XCOM RAN private 5G platform.

2. Revolutionary Drone Flight Technology

The trial focused on validating the compatibility between the Skydio X10 drone and Globalstar's Band n53 spectrum. This collaboration aims to provide a robust alternative to conventional Wi-Fi and public cellular networks, ensuring that drone operations can be conducted with enhanced reliability and performance. Globalstar's exclusive rights to the Band n53 spectrum offer predictability and security, making it readily available for operational testing.

Globalstar’s XCOM RAN platform is specifically designed to deliver high uplink throughput and deterministic performance, particularly in dense and challenging environments. This combination of technologies is set to enhance command and control capabilities, as well as streaming video performance, critical for airborne operations.

3. Insights from Industry Leaders

Abe Bachrach, Chief Technology Officer at Skydio, emphasized the swift integration of Band n53 into existing frameworks. "One of the biggest advantages in this trial was how quickly we were able to integrate Band n53 using an existing module already supported within Globalstar’s ecosystem," he stated. The ability to rapidly initiate real-world testing signifies a promising trajectory for future collaborations between the two companies, targeting both indoor and outdoor applications.

Globalstar's CEO, Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, highlighted the importance of reliable connectivity for public safety missions. "Skydio is one of the most innovative drone companies in the world, and their public safety mission requires the most reliable connectivity possible," said Dr. Jacobs. He expressed pride in showcasing the strengths of Band n53 and XCOM RAN architecture, particularly for high-performance applications involving autonomous drones.

4. The Future of Connectivity in Drone Operations

This successful trial signifies a pivotal moment not only for Globalstar and Skydio but also for the future of drone operations across various sectors. As industries increasingly rely on autonomous drones for tasks such as surveillance, emergency response, and utility inspections, the need for reliable and secure connectivity becomes paramount.

Globalstar's XCOM RAN, designed for mission-critical industrial automation, promises to revolutionize how private 5G networks are deployed and managed. Its Supercell architecture simplifies coverage in industrial settings, allowing enterprises to swiftly implement and manage network solutions without extensive site surveys.

5. About Globalstar and Skydio

Globalstar operates a global telecommunications network that connects users through its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and licensed Band 53/n53 spectrum. The company focuses on providing reliable connectivity solutions that enable smarter communication and operational efficiency across various sectors.

Skydio, established in 2014, has quickly emerged as a leader in autonomous drone technology, leveraging advanced AI to create highly intelligent flying machines. The company's commitment to safety and innovation has garnered trust from industry leaders and strategic investors alike.

As Globalstar and Skydio continue to push the boundaries of drone technology, the implications of their partnership promise to enhance operational capabilities in critical sectors, paving the way for a more connected and efficient future.

Original press release