FILE PHOTO: Amazon Leo is expanding its satellite communications network through the approved $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar, which also supports Apple’s satellite safety features.
| Photo Credit:
JOE SKIPPER
The Federal Communications Commission
said Tuesday it has approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion
deal to acquire Globalstar as the retail giant’s
satellite arm aims to build a satellite-based communications
network to take on Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink unit.
Amazon Leo has launched more than 300 satellites since April
2025 and aims to deploy about 3,200 satellites in Earth’s low
orbit by 2029. Through the deal, Amazon adds Globalstar’s two
dozen satellites to its existing network of more than 200 and
its mobile-satellite spectrum. Amazon, which has committed to
investing more than $10 billion in Leo, is preparing to roll out
its commercial satellite services by the end of 2026, the FCC
said.
The FCC said the companies’ assets will boost Amazon Leo’s
entry into the direct-to-device market and allow the
satellite-operator to offer fixed and mobile services.
“The FCC has empowered Amazon Leo to deliver fast, next-gen
satellite broadband services, increase competition, and help
communities stay connected all across the country,” FCC Chair
Brendan Carr said.
Direct-to-device satellite technology allows smartphones
and other devices to connect directly to satellites.
Tech companies are pouring billions of dollars into
capturing the lucrative market for satellite-based connectivity
as they race to complete with Starlink’s network of more than
11,000 satellites.
The FCC will vote Thursday to advance a new auction of
wireless spectrum to boost “direct-to-device” services.
Globalstar currently powers satellite-based safety features
such as Emergency SOS and Find My for Apple’s iPhone
and Apple Watch users. Amazon said earlier that it has signed
an agreement with Apple to continue providing those services.
Apple invested about $1.5 billion in Globalstar in 2024 to
fund the expansion of its iPhone communication services, in a
deal that also gave the tech giant a 20% equity in Globalstar.
Apple accounted for about 63% of Globalstar revenue last year
and Amazon plans to acquire Apple’s stake, the FCC said.
Globalstar said late last year that a new, Apple-backed
network under development would expand its footprint to 54
satellites, including a small number of backups, from the two
dozen currently.
Published on October 28, 2026
