Apple's iPhone satellite ambition goes beyond rescuing hikers

Not charging for satellite services suggests they are an initial step toward broader satellite deployment plans. GlobalStar’s capacity to place satellite constellations into orbit may limit expansion ambitions. Existing Apple satellite services are expected to extend to additional nations, potentially under Amazon’s oversight. Amazon’s $11.6 billion acquisition of GlobalStar forces Apple to collaborate with a former rival while both companies already benefit from steady Apple hardware sales through Amazon’s online infrastructure. Apple and Amazon have a long record of working together through Amazon’s core infrastructure services, and the companies plan to build on that collaboration with Amazon Leo. The transaction is expected to close next year.

"The decision not to charge for those satellite services suggests they're just the thin end of the company's plans for satellite deployment."

"It's possible the company's ambitions were limited by GlobalStar's ability to put satellite constellations in orbit. That work was ongoing last time I looked, and I fully expect existing Apple satellite services will be extended to new nations, even under Amazon's watch."

"Amazon's recent $11.6 billion acquisition of GlobalStar is interesting. You can see that Apple is now forced to work with its old frenemy, even as both partners already profit from strong, steady Apple hardware sales via the online retailer. So they know they can make money together."

""Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working together through Amazon's core infrastructure services, and we look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo," Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, said when the deal was announced. (The transaction isn't expected to close until next year.)"

Read at Computerworld