A look inside Globalstar’s plan to build an exclusive nationwide Wi-Fi network

If a proposal before the Federal Communications Commission to allow Wi-Fi use on its 2.4 GHz satellite spectrum is approved, you could wind up seeing Globalstar service in malls, public plazas and cafes -- anywhere where you can find public Wi-Fi today.

Instead of connecting voice conversations to specialty handsets, Globalstar would be supplying data links to everyday tablets, smartphones and laptops. And instead of beaming those signals from the heavens, it would be using the same Wi-Fi access points found everywhere today. The big difference between Globalstar’s network and regular Wi-Fi is that it would be private.

Globalstar and its customers would enjoy exclusive access to those airwaves. Globalstar is calling this proposed Terrestrial Low Power Service, and the element it wants you to focus on is “low power.” It works within Wi-Fi’s short-range and low-power limitations rather than requiring a big intrusive 4G system to be built. Most Wi-Fi devices and router already work in its chunk of the 2.4 GHz band, requiring only a software upgrade to access it. Instead of commissioning specialty equipment, Globalstar could build its network with existing Wi-Fi gear, Globalstar VP of Regulatory Affairs Barbee Ponder said.