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Amazon will acquire mobile-satellite operator Globalstar for about $11.5 billion, adding 24 operational satellites plus spectrum, IP and operational expertise to its Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) effort. The deal grants Amazon access to Globalstar’s Band 53 midband spectrum (2483.5–2495 MHz), valuable for low-latency direct-to-device services that compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. Apple, which owns a 20% stake in Globalstar and uses its network for Emergency SOS, has agreed to the deal and
Amazon announced a definitive agreement to acquire Globalstar, the satellite operator that underpins Apple’s current satellite features, allowing Amazon’s Leo low Earth orbit (LEO) network to add direct-to-device (D2D) services and extend cellular coverage beyond terrestrial networks. Amazon and Apple also agreed that Amazon Leo will power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite. The acquisition strengthens Amazon’s position against SpaceX’s Starlink and follows Apple’s prior billion-dollar-plus investment in Globalstar, which appears to secure Apple support for current and future devices. The deal raises questions about future user costs for Apple’s satellite features and highlights increasing collaboration among major tech firms.
Amazon struck two major satellite deals: it will acquire satellite operator Globalstar for $11.6 billion and has signed an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features. Globalstar already worked with Apple on iPhone satellite messaging, and Amazon says the purchase will accelerate its entry into the Direct-to-Device (D2D) market for phone-to-satellite connectivity. Amazon’s Leo (formerly Kuiper) network will become Apple’s primary satellite service provider for its devices, a direct competitive play against SpaceX’s Starlink. The move strengthens Amazon’s position in consumer satellite services and mobile connectivity, with implications for mobile carriers, satellite operators, and device ecosystems.
Amazon is buying satellite communications company Globalstar to bolster its Amazon Leo low Earth orbit (LEO) network with direct-to-device (D2D) services, aiming to extend cellular-like coverage beyond terrestrial networks and compete more directly with SpaceX’s Starlink. As part of the agreement, Amazon Leo will power satellite features for Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite, preserving Apple’s existing access despite Apple’s prior billion-dollar-plus investment in Globalstar. The deal accelerates consolidation in consumer-facing satellite connectivity, raises questions about future user fees for Apple’s satellite services, and highlights increasing interdependence among major tech firms even when they are competitors.
Amazon will acquire mobile-satellite operator Globalstar for about $11.5 billion, adding 24 operational satellites plus spectrum, IP and operational expertise to its Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) effort. The deal grants Amazon access to Globalstar’s Band 53 midband spectrum (2483.5–2495 MHz), valuable for low-latency direct-to-device services that compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. Apple, which owns a 20% stake in Globalstar and uses its network for Emergency SOS, has agreed to the deal and will be paid for its shares; Amazon says it will continue supporting Apple’s satellite features and collaborate on future services. Closing is expected next year; the acquisition strengthens Amazon’s tech and licensing position but does little to close the massive scale gap with Starlink.