Globalstar, Skydio trial private 5G link for drones

Globalstar and Skydio have completed a drone test flight using Globalstar's licensed Band n53 spectrum on a private 5G network built on Globalstar's XCOM RAN platform.

The companies said the trial validated compatibility between Skydio's X10 drone and the Band n53 spectrum. They also said it validated the use of XCOM RAN as the private 5G radio access network for the flight.

The test flight focused on communications links used for drone operations, including command and control and video transmission. The companies positioned the trial as an alternative approach to Wi‑Fi or public mobile networks for drone connectivity.

Licenced Spectrum

Globalstar said it holds full licensed rights to Band n53. It described the spectrum as predictable and secure and said it was available for operational testing.

The companies framed the work as relevant to public safety environments, where organisations often set requirements for network availability and traffic handling. They also linked the approach to scenarios where drones operate beyond visual line of sight, or where teams need consistent uplink capacity for video.

Skydio said the project used an existing module already supported within Globalstar's ecosystem. Skydio framed that as a factor in the speed of integration and the move from lab work into field testing.

"One of the biggest advantages in this trial was how quickly we were able to integrate Band n53 using an existing module already supported within Globalstar's ecosystem," said Abe Bachrach, CTO, Skydio. "It allowed us to move fast and begin real-world testing very quickly. We are excited about the capabilities XCOM RAN brings and looking forward to future collaboration on both indoor and outdoor use cases."

XCOM RAN

Globalstar presented XCOM RAN as its private 5G platform. It said the system can run on shared spectrum used for private 5G deployments. It also said XCOM RAN can use Globalstar's licensed Band n53.

Globalstar said the XCOM RAN design targets industrial environments and dense deployments. It said the platform provides a "Supercell" architecture and claimed this reduces the need for site surveys and network design work.

The company said XCOM RAN can be managed by an enterprise IT team. Globalstar also said the platform supports high uplink throughput and "deterministic performance" in challenging environments.

Public Safety Focus

Skydio sells drones into public safety, government and critical infrastructure organisations. Globalstar framed the trial around public safety requirements and said it related to reliable connectivity for airborne operations.

Globalstar also presented the work as relevant beyond first responders. It said licensed spectrum and private 5G could apply to other enterprise settings that treat reliability as a core requirement, including industrial sites and other operational environments.

Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer at Globalstar, linked the trial to uplink-heavy use cases. He referenced autonomous drones and the use of the network for high-volume uplink data such as video.

"Skydio is one of the most innovative drone companies in the world and their public safety mission requires the most reliable connectivity possible," said Jacobs. "This trial highlights the strength of Band n53 and the XCOM RAN architecture for high performance uplink applications like autonomous drones. We are proud to support a future where first responders have the tools they need to move faster and stay safer."

Company Background

Globalstar operates satellite services and also markets terrestrial connectivity that uses its spectrum assets. The company described its satellite constellation as low Earth orbit. It also markets GPS messenger products under the SPOT brand.

Skydio, founded in 2014 and based in San Mateo, California, designs and assembles drones in the US. The company sells systems for public safety, government, utilities and enterprise customers, and it positions its product line around autonomous flight.

Globalstar and Skydio said they plan further work covering indoor and outdoor scenarios.