Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar positions it as a formidable challenger to Elon Musk’s Starlink in the race for space-based internet dominance.
The $90-per-share deal hands Amazon critical spectrum licenses and satellite assets, accelerating its direct-to-device connectivity plans for 2028.
A parallel agreement with Apple, already a Globalstar stakeholder, hints at a rare tech alliance that could reshape mobile satellite services.
In a bold move to close the gap with SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon announced on Tuesday its intention to acquire satellite operator Globalstar for $90 per share, valuing the transaction at roughly $11.57 billion. The acquisition marks a decisive escalation in the battle for low-Earth orbit (LEO) supremacy, giving Amazon’s nascent satellite internet unit immediate access to Globalstar’s existing fleet, ground infrastructure, and a portfolio of globally authorized spectrum licenses. Investors reacted swiftly, with Globalstar shares jumping more than 10 percent while Amazon’s stock gained over 3 percent.
The deal goes beyond mere infrastructure. Amazon plans to integrate Globalstar’s current and upcoming satellites with its own network, laying the groundwork for a proprietary direct-to-device satellite system slated for initial deployment in 2028. This system would allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites without specialized hardware, a feature that could redefine emergency communications and rural connectivity. In a surprising twist, Amazon also revealed it has struck a separate agreement with Apple to supply satellite connectivity for future iterations of the iPhone and Apple Watch, signaling potential cross-industry cooperation in a field often marked by fierce rivalry.
Apple’s existing ties to Globalstar add another layer of intrigue. In 2024, Apple acquired a 20 percent stake in the company through a $1.5 billion investment aimed at bolstering Globalstar’s constellation and ground systems. Currently, Globalstar operates roughly 24 satellites and powers Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, which enables text messaging from remote areas. With Amazon now taking full control, the partnership with Apple suggests that the two tech giants may be aligning to challenge SpaceX’s growing lead, especially as both Amazon and SpaceX recently secured FCC approvals—SpaceX for an additional 7,500 satellites and Amazon for 4,500 more.
