Globalstar Inc (GSAT)

[Raffis]

VERIZON ON BOARD: https://www.lightreading.com/opticalip/globalstars-parent-company-slowly-stirs-5g-assets/d/d-id/767923

Pivotal uses holographic beamforming (HBF) to address shortfalls in existing beamforming technology by using software-enabled antennas to narrow the beams so they have better propagation. This also creates less interference. And because the beams are so precisely pinpointed, the spectrum can be reused, making it more efficient.

Pivotal has been working closely with Verizon, which is aggressively deploying 5G using mmWave spectrum, but it's also eying other spectrum bands. Pivotal CEO Brian Deutsch said in a press release that the company plans to expand beyond mmWave spectrum and to other bands, including Band 53 and the C-band.

But Pickens says that Globalstar isn't just looking at the potential for Band 53 in the US. The company also sees it being a valuable asset in other countries as well. Late last year Globalstar received terrestrial authorization to operate in three countries – Canada, Brazil and Kenya – which the company says represents a covered population of 300 million people. The development raises the company's total terrestrial coverage area to roughly 700 million people.

"We have claim to the spectrum around the world because satellite devices use it," Pickens said, adding that the company could potentially license Band 53 with a carrier in another country or work with different types of companies around the world.