Amazon has announced a $11.57 billion agreement to acquire Globalstar, in the race to dominate low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications. The deal strengthens Amazon’s strategies to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Starlink by expanding its satellite infrastructure, spectrum assets, and direct-to-device (D2D) capabilities.
The acquisition provides Amazon access to Globalstar’s constellation of roughly 24 satellites, alongside its globally licensed mobile satellite spectrum. This will play a critical role in scaling Amazon’s “Leo” satellite network, which is targeting the deployment of approximately 3,200 satellites by 2029, with key regulatory milestones set for mid-2026.
Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, Amazon, said: “By combining Globalstar’s proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon’s customer-obsession and innovation, customers can expect faster, more reliable service in more places.”
Globalstar, known for enabling satellite-based features such as Apple’s Emergency SOS, will become central to Amazon’s strategy to deliver seamless connectivity beyond terrestrial networks. Amazon has also signed an agreement with Apple to continue powering satellite services on iPhone and Apple Watch devices, including messaging, location sharing, and emergency communications.
“Since launching more than three years ago, our safety service Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save many lives — from a scout troop stranded on a winter hike in British Columbia, to a woman who was airlifted to safety in Colorado after her car rolled down a 250-foot cliff,” said Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple.
The integration of Globalstar’s infrastructure will allow Amazon to introduce D2D services starting in 2028, enabling voice, text, and data connectivity directly to smartphones without reliance on traditional cellular coverage. This positions Amazon to serve remote regions, disaster-hit areas, and underserved markets with resilient, space-based connectivity.
Starlink currently leads the market with nearly 10,000 satellites and over nine million users globally. Amazon’s acquisition signals its intent to rapidly close the gap. By combining Globalstar’s expertise with its own scale and cloud ecosystem, Amazon aims to deliver high-speed connectivity across consumer, enterprise, and government segments.
Under the deal terms, Globalstar shareholders can opt for $90 in cash or 0.3210 shares of Amazon stock per share, with the transaction expected to close in 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and satellite deployment milestones.
