Globalstar begins major expansion of its ground station in Bihoro, Japan, to support its third-generation C-3 mobile satellite system and existing constellation. The company previously purchased the land and commissioned the first installation in June 2024. The expansion aims to rapidly grow Globalstar’s mobile satellite services throughout Asia.
Globalstar (NASDAQ: GSAT), a leading provider of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure, has announced the commencement of a major expansion of its ground station in Bihoro, Japan. The expansion is aimed at supporting the company’s third-generation C-3 mobile satellite system and its existing constellation, with a focus on rapidly growing mobile satellite services throughout Asia.
The strategic land acquisition and initial construction of additional gateway infrastructure at the existing ground station in Bihoro began in July 2025. This expansion is a critical step in Globalstar’s global infrastructure buildout, which is expected to include over 90 additional tracking antennas at multiple locations to support the C-3 satellite system.
Globalstar previously purchased land in Bihoro to establish a ground station that would serve the entire region. The first installation was commissioned during an opening ceremony held in June 2024. The company has now started construction of additional tracking antennas to support both its existing constellation and the infrastructure necessary for the C-3 mobile satellite system.
L. Barbee Ponder, General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar, commented on the expansion, stating, “Asia joins the growing chorus of international construction as Globalstar expands its footprint in Japan to support its third-generation mobile satellite system. With today’s announcement, Globalstar has the additional property necessary to support future expansion in Japan, including the infrastructure for our C-3 System – the most advanced mobile satellites system ever” [1].
Hiroshi Ando, CEO of IPmotion and Globalstar Japan, added, “We wholeheartedly welcome Globalstar’s expansion of its Bihoro ground station, which demonstrates a strong commitment to the satellite communications market in Japan. Acquiring the adjacent land was critical to allow the infrastructure needed to support the C-3 satellite system” [1].
This expansion is indicative of Globalstar’s ongoing contributions to the local economy and its strong relationship with the Bihoro Town Office and community since 2021. The company looks forward to continued collaboration as it advances industrial connectivity and public safety across Japan.
The installation and operation of the infrastructure in Japan is the first step in the Asia-Pacific portion of Globalstar’s global expansion, designed to support its third-generation mobile satellite system serving hundreds of millions of people around the world.
References:
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250717450158/globalstar-begins-major-expansion-of-ground-station-in-bihoro-japan-to-accommodate-third-generation-c-3-constellation
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/globalstar-inc-begins-major-expansion-of-ground-station-in-bihoro-japan-to-accommodate-third-generation-c-3-constellation
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/globalstar-begins-major-expansion-ground-131600921.html
[4] https://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2025/07/17/globalstar-expanding-global-ground-network-for-c-3-constellation/
AloJapan.com