Globalstar to use airwave license for mobile broadband services

Louisiana-based satellite company Globalstar has filed a two-prong plan with the Federal Communications Commission to use it airwave licenses for mobile broadband services. The move is expected to make the company’s wireless spectrum even more valuable.

According to the FCC, the plan to utilize the spectrum for mobile broadband services would require GlobalStar to start a partnership with a telecom operator or a wireless data provider. Many regulators and wireless providers are expanding their airwaves to meet the surge in traffic resulting from the growth of smartphones.

Globalstar is awaiting first the FCC’s decision on Dish Network’s own plans of using its spectrum for ground-based wireless network. The FCC’s approval of Dish’s plans will, experts say, serve as a template for succeeding filings and clearance processes.

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XO Communications expands to neighboring Canada

Canada’s telecom industry is still growing, and US telecom company XO Communications is hoping to get a slice of the market as it expands to the neighbor from the north. 

Last Tuesday, XO Communications announced to plans to offer its business services in Canada. Some of these services include high-speed Internet connections, a range of telecom services, as well as the development of fibre network systems. The US telecom company is eying the science and technology industry in Canada alongside the provision of its solutions for the financial service industry. 

According to XO, the move to expand is a response to the growing demand for global connectivity solutions from wholesale customers and businesses alike. The Virginia-based XO, which focuses on business communications solutions, is also looking into tapping the small to medium-sized market in Canada which has been driving the robust growth in the telecom industry. 

Other foreign-based telcos have been attracted to Canada’s fertile business grounds for the industry. China Unicom has also been offering telecom service, and providing connectivity solutions between Canada and China.

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