Globalstar Inc. and drone maker Skydio completed the first autonomous flight of a Skydio X10 drone over a 2.5 GHz Band n53 spectrum, using Globalstar’s XCOM RAN private 5G platform. The test, conducted on December 16 2025, demonstrated reliable uplink and real‑time video streaming in a challenging environment, confirming that Band n53 can deliver the low‑latency, high‑throughput connectivity required for autonomous aircraft.
The flight leveraged Band n53’s licensed, interference‑free spectrum and XCOM RAN’s beam‑forming “Supercell” architecture to achieve deterministic performance. While the fact‑check report does not provide exact data rates, the test confirmed robust uplink throughput and minimal latency, key metrics for mission‑critical public‑safety and industrial applications.
For Globalstar, the milestone validates a new revenue stream beyond its traditional voice and IoT services. By proving that Band n53 can support autonomous drones, the company can monetize its spectrum through private 5G deployments to police, emergency responders, and industrial operators, sectors that demand secure, predictable connectivity. Skydio’s shift away from consumer drones to enterprise and government markets makes the partnership a natural fit, positioning both firms to capture a growing share of the autonomous‑drone market.
Globalstar CEO Dr. Paul E. Jacobs said the trial “confirms the strength of XCOM RAN as a superior private 5G solution” and highlighted the company’s confidence in its strategic roadmap to build a next‑generation mobile satellite network. He added that the successful flight “demonstrates the reliability and security of Band n53, reinforcing our commitment to delivering mission‑critical connectivity.”
The announcement follows Globalstar’s Q3 2025 earnings, where the company reported revenue of $73.8 million—up 10.5% from the prior quarter and beating analyst estimates of $68.94 million. The earnings beat was driven by strong demand for its satellite and terrestrial services, while the company maintained disciplined cost control to offset inflationary pressures. The drone trial adds a new high‑margin business line that could accelerate future revenue growth and diversify the company’s portfolio.
The successful flight marks a significant step for Globalstar’s strategy to monetize Band n53 and expand into the autonomous‑drone market. By proving the spectrum’s capability for low‑latency, high‑throughput applications, the company positions itself to win contracts in public safety and industrial sectors, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and strengthening its competitive advantage over unlicensed or shared‑spectrum solutions.
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