A drone lifts off into a clear blue sky, and the network behind it suddenly looks different. In a milestone demonstration, Skydio and Globalstar validated a new kind of connectivity for airborne missions, pairing Skydio’s X10 with Globalstar Band n53 and the XCOM RAN private 5G platform.

The joint trial tested Band n53 and XCOM RAN as a high‑performance alternative to traditional WiFi or public cellular links. Globalstar holds licensed rights to Band n53, making the spectrum predictable, secure, and immediately usable for testing. XCOM RAN delivers deterministic performance and robust coherence in challenging environments, enabling reliable command, control, and video streaming for drone flights.

“One of the biggest advantages in this trial was how quickly we could integrate Band n53 using an existing module already supported within Globalstar’s ecosystem,” said Skydio CTO Abe Bachrach. “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.”

From Globalstar’s side, the test underscores a broader shift toward mission‑critical connectivity for drones. Band n53’s licensed status offers predictability and security, while XCOM RAN’s architecture aims to reduce deployment friction. For public safety agencies, this combination could shorten the time to field reliable autonomous fleets and reduce gaps in uplink coverage during complex operations. Globalstar CEO Dr. Paul E. Jacobs framed the achievement as a milestone for mission‑critical connectivity, highlighting how a dedicated private network can support faster, safer drone responses in emergencies.

According to Marketscreener, the collaboration demonstrates more than a proof‑of‑concept. It positions private network fabric as a viable backbone for next‑generation drone work, including autonomous search, inspection, and rapid‑response missions. The feasibility of running a high‑ bandwidth uplink on a private network in dense urban settings is a meaningful signal to buyers across government, utilities, and logistics sectors.

What Band n53 Means for the Drone Stack

Band n53 belongs to Globalstar’s licensed spectrum portfolio, offering predictable latency, lower interference, and fewer regulatory headaches compared with crowded unlicensed bands. When paired with XCOM RAN, it can support high‑throughput uplinks and resilient command channels for autonomous flights. That combination helps reduce the risk of data blackouts during critical operations and makes real-time video feeds more reliable for operators on the ground.

Implications for Public Safety and Industry

For public safety agencies, the test signals a faster path to deploy private networks that keep drones connected in disaster zones or dense urban areas. For hospitals, utilities, and industrial firms, it offers a blueprint for scalable, secure drone operations without leaning on public cellular networks. The key takeaway is that spectrum certainty matters: licensed bands paired with purpose‑built private networks can unlock new drone capabilities while lowering risk.

Looking ahead, experts expect more collaborations that blend drone autonomy with dedicated private networks. Analysts predict renewed investments in XCOM RAN style architectures and in partners who can bridge drone platforms with sector‑specific workflows. Real‑world pilots in areas like firefighting, pipeline inspection, and critical infrastructure maintenance will act as testing grounds for these networks.

Conclusion

The initial flight is only the start. Skydio and Globalstar are not merely proving a connectivity link; they are outlining a pathway for safer, faster, and more capable public safety and industrial drone operations. As the ecosystem matures, expect more operators to demand secure bands like n53 and turnkey private networks that deliver consistent uplink even in challenging environments.