Apple To Spend $450 Million To Enable Emergency Satellite Texting

Apple To Spend $450 Million , To Enable Emergency Satellite Texting.

CNBC reports that Apple made the announcement on Nov.

10.

The majority of the $450 million will go to Globalstar, a Louisiana-based satellite communications company.

Globalstar's satellite operations will make it possible for Apple to offer the new emergency texting feature.

An iPhone software update will soon allow users who aren't able to connect to a cell tower to send a text message by connecting to a Globalstar satellite in low Earth orbit.

CNBC reports that the feature will be free for two years, but Apple may charge for the service later on.

This is because the service isn't fully automated and requires call center staff.

Apple reports that more than 300 Globalstar employees will be dedicated to the service.

The tech company's payment to Globalstar will be pulled from Apple's Advanced Manufacturing Fund.

The fund is used to support suppliers based in America