Apple’s satellite partner, Globalstar, is paying Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch new satellites that will be used to upgrade the communications network for the iPhone’s satellite emergency call feature, according to reports. nola. According to the details of the agreement disclosed in the SEC filing, Globalstar will pay $64 million to SpaceX. Payments will be made between 2023 and 2025, when SpaceX plans to launch the satellites.

Last year, with the new iPhone 14 models, Apple also introduced the emergency call feature via satellite. The technology allows the ‌iPhone 14‌, ‌iPhone 14‌ Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and ‌iPhone 14 Pro‌ Max to contact emergency services when Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity is unavailable.

Globalstar is Apple’s partner in this venture, which serves the satellites that make the feature work. Apple said at launch that SOS emergency calling via satellite will be free for two years, and so far it has given no idea how much it will cost.

The $64 million Globalstar pays SpaceX is probably only a small fraction of the cost of operating the satellites, and that cost is passed on to Apple, so it makes sense for Apple to charge at least a small fee to those who operate these satellites over time. I want to use the SOS option.

Globalstar has agreed to dedicate 85 percent of current and future network capacity to Apple’s iPhone; Globalstar provides and maintains all personnel, software, satellite systems, etc., while maintaining minimum quality and coverage standards. Prior to the launch of the “iPhone 14” models, Globalstar purchased $327 million worth of satellite equipment from a Canadian company, and Apple lent Globalstar $252 million.

Emergency SOS via satellite is available in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and Portugal.