Catenaa, Sunday, April 26, 2026- Amazon has agreed to acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a major push to expand its low Earth orbit communications network and enter direct-to-device connectivity services. The deal links Amazon’s satellite ambitions with Apple’s emergency satellite features through a new multi-year cooperation agreement.
The acquisition gives Amazon control over Globalstar’s existing satellite fleet, ground infrastructure, and mobile satellite spectrum licenses. These assets will be integrated into Amazon’s planned Leo satellite constellation, which is designed to deliver broadband and direct-to-device connectivity globally.
Amazon said the combined system will support consumer, enterprise, and government users. It will also aim to extend coverage in remote regions and areas outside traditional mobile networks. The company plans to develop what it describes as a continuous connectivity layer between space-based and terrestrial systems.
Amazon Leo is expected to launch its own direct-to-device satellite capability in early 2028. The system is designed to connect smartphones, vehicles, and other devices directly to satellites without requiring dedicated terminals. Amazon says the architecture will rely on thousands of satellites operating in low Earth orbit.
Company officials said the expanded network will be capable of supporting hundreds of millions of endpoints worldwide. The system will also be integrated with earlier generations of Amazon Leo satellites, creating a unified communications platform.
Globalstar currently allocates most of its satellite capacity to Apple under an existing commercial agreement. Apple uses that capacity to power emergency satellite features on iPhones and Apple Watches, including emergency messaging and location services in areas without cellular coverage.
Under the new arrangement, Apple and Amazon have signed a separate agreement to maintain satellite services for current devices while preparing for future expansion. The companies said they will work together to ensure continuity of emergency satellite functions and related services.
Apple’s satellite features, introduced in recent years, have been used in emergency rescue cases in remote areas. The service has become a key part of Apple’s safety positioning for its mobile devices, particularly in regions with limited mobile infrastructure.
Globalstar leadership said the merger with Amazon will accelerate the next phase of satellite connectivity. The company emphasized its long-term investment in spectrum rights and satellite engineering as part of its contribution to the combined platform.
Amazon executives said the acquisition supports the company’s broader goal of extending internet connectivity to underserved regions. They also highlighted potential applications for aviation, maritime operations, logistics, and emergency communications.
Amazon has already begun developing additional satellite hardware, including antennas designed for aircraft. The company recently introduced a system aimed at providing high-speed connectivity for in-flight passengers and operational systems. It has also signed agreements with commercial airlines to begin phased deployment later in the decade.
Industry analysts view the deal as part of a broader competition among major technology companies and satellite operators to dominate space-based broadband and direct connectivity markets. The sector has grown rapidly as demand increases for global coverage and low-latency communication services.
Amazon’s expansion into satellite communications places it in closer competition with other low Earth orbit operators already serving broadband markets. The company’s strategy combines consumer services with enterprise and government applications, creating a vertically integrated satellite network.
Globalstar’s existing infrastructure is expected to remain active during the transition period. The company said its current satellites and planned future launches will continue operating alongside Amazon’s systems as integration progresses.
The transaction is also expected to strengthen Amazon’s position in the direct-to-device segment, which allows smartphones and connected devices to communicate directly with satellites. This capability is seen as a major step toward eliminating coverage gaps in rural and remote areas.
Apple said it will continue to rely on satellite connectivity for emergency services while exploring next-generation features that could expand messaging, navigation, and safety tools. The company described its partnership with Amazon as a continuation of its existing satellite strategy.
Amazon said the combined network will be designed for scalability, with the ability to expand capacity as demand grows. It also stated that interoperability with mobile network operators will remain a key part of its long-term approach.
The deal marks one of the largest consolidations in the satellite communications industry in recent years. It reflects increasing convergence between cloud computing, mobile connectivity, and space-based infrastructure.
Completion of the acquisition is expected to take place after regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. Financial terms of the deal were not fully disclosed at the time of announcement.
Amazon said it expects the integration of Globalstar to begin shortly after approval, with phased deployment of combined services starting before the end of the decade.
