Globalstar Satellite Services Ltd. received a license from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to provide satellite voice and data services in the country, Globalstar Inc. announced June 29. The Globalstar subsidiary was established in March.

“Receiving ICASA approval is a fundamental accomplishment and is the primary step necessary to provide high quality Globalstar satellite voice and data services to South Africa and the surrounding region,” said Tony Navarra, president of global operations for Globalstar, Inc.

A Globalstar ground station was built in Delareyville, South Africa, in 2000 but commercial service was never initiated because of unresolved regulatory and licensing issues. The gateway, now owned by Telkom South Africa, has been dormant since 2002.