Apple’s blue skies thinking
One more thing. The FCC request refers to an International Telecoms Union filing which describes a network of more than 8,000 satellites and includes satellite frequencies used by Globalstar. That filing was originally made on behalf of France’s Airbus, but Satnews reports this was transferred to CCC Communication Holdings France, a French business entity that seems to be managed by a senior Apple corporate director, Ronald Denwood.
Denwood previously held directorships in Voysis, Ikinema, Stamplay, and OperateData, all of which were companies acquired by Apple at some point. It’s important not to read too much into that, but it does seem fair to speculate that Denwood’s involvement in CCC Communication Holdings France might illustrate the strategic importance of Apple’s satellite plans.
It’s worth noting that with the satellites offering a lifespan of just 12.5 years, whatever intentions Apple does have are likely to become more apparent in a relatively short time if the company intends to monetize its multi-billion dollar satellite investments before the birds retire. Meanwhile, of course, you can expect to be able to send messages even from within connectivity dead zones.
