US Approves Amazon's $11.5 Billion Acquisition of Satellite Operator Globalstar

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 27, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar by Amazon's satellite communications business Amazon Leo for approximately $11.5 billion. The regulatory approval covers Globalstar's approximately 25 MHz of mobile satellite communications spectrum and related satellite operating assets, completing the FCC's review of the transaction. The acquisition will expand the spectrum and network resources of Amazon's satellite communications business.

The transaction involves Globalstar's existing approximately 24 communications satellites, as well as its mobile satellite communications spectrum and infrastructure. Amazon plans to combine these resources with the Amazon Leo low Earth orbit satellite broadband network to support direct-to-device satellite services and provide fixed and mobile communications services to residential, enterprise, and government customers.

Amazon has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025, plans to deploy thousands of low Earth orbit satellites by 2029, and is preparing to launch commercial satellite communications services by the end of 2026. The company has previously committed to investing more than $10 billion in Amazon Leo and has also applied to the FCC to build a direct-to-device constellation of up to 5,105 satellites, an application that falls under a separate satellite system licensing procedure.

Globalstar's existing network carries some satellite safety communications services for Apple iPhone and Apple Watch, including emergency SOS and device location features. Amazon has reached an agreement with Apple to continue providing the relevant satellite services and plans to acquire approximately 20% of Globalstar's equity held by Apple. Apple invested approximately $1.5 billion in Globalstar in 2024 to expand its satellite communications service capabilities.

Globalstar is also building its next-generation C-3 low Earth orbit satellite system. The U.S. FCC previously approved deployment arrangements for its 48 operational satellites and 6 on-orbit backup satellites, with the satellites manufactured by MDA Space. The system, together with Amazon's existing satellite broadband network and its planned direct-to-device constellation, will form the asset base for subsequent satellite communications operations.