Amazon is acquiring satellite firm Globalstar for $11.57 billion to expand its direct-to-device cellular services. While the deal maintains Apple’s existing satellite features, a recent FCC application suggests Amazon and Globalstar may be partnering with Skylo to bring satellite messaging to Android devices by 2026.
The satellite industry is currently undergoing a massive consolidation as tech giants race to eliminate cellular dead zones. Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar is the centerpiece of this shift, representing the e-commerce giant’s second-largest purchase ever, trailing only its $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods in 2017. By absorbing Globalstar, Amazon intends to scale its commercial satellite business, Amazon Leo, and compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink.
The Skylo Partnership and Android Expansion
While Globalstar has long been tethered to the iPhone, new regulatory filings indicate a pivot toward a broader device ecosystem. In a Thursday application to the Federal Communications Commission, Skylo requested a massive increase in the number of devices it can support, specifically proposing a new “ANT 4” category to support up to 250 million devices.
The application does not explicitly name Globalstar, but the technical specifications point toward a deal. Skylo is seeking to operate in the 1610-1618.725 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 2483.5-2500 MHz (space-to-Earth) frequency bands—spectrum that Globalstar has used for decades, including an exclusive hold on the 1610 to 1617 MHz band.
This move is a strategic necessity for Skylo. The company does not own its own satellites and relies on partners like Viasat and Echostar. However, those partnerships are crumbling as SpaceX acquires spectrum from EchoStar and AST SpaceMobile strikes deals with Ligado. According to Farrar, it is likely [Skylo] will be pushed out of some or all of its existing deals, making a partnership with Amazon a vital lifeline.
The acquisition is a high-stakes attempt to close the gap with SpaceX. Starlink currently maintains a massive lead with over 10 million users and more than 10,000 satellites in orbit. In contrast, Amazon Leo—which transitioned from the Project Kuiper R&D phase in November 2025—has deployed more than 200 satellites and is planning its commercial launch for mid-2026.
Amazon in talks to buy satellite firm Globalstar
The financial terms of the deal see Globalstar stockholders receiving $90 per share of Amazon common stock. The deal is expected to close in 2027, though some reports suggest the closing could happen as early as next year. This acquisition allows Amazon to take over Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar and secure the spectrum necessary for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.
This spending reflects the battle of the Titans described by space analyst Chris Quilty, who noted that SpaceX’s interest in the same spectrum likely drove the premium price Amazon paid.
The Apple Agreement and Future Connectivity
Despite the change in ownership, Apple’s satellite services will remain operational. Amazon and Apple have reached an agreement for Amazon Leo to power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch. This includes critical safety features such as Emergency SOS, Find My, and Roadside Assistance.
Photo: 9to5mac.com
For the user, the transition is designed to be invisible. Amazon will continue to support the constellations currently being manufactured by MDA Space while collaborating with Apple on future services using the expanded Amazon Leo network.
“Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working together through Amazon’s core infrastructure services, and we look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo.”
Photo: forbes.com
Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple
The broader implication is a shift in the satellite-to-phone market. By utilizing Skylo’s existing relationships with mobile carriers, Amazon is moving beyond the exclusive Apple deal to target the Android market. This positions Amazon Leo not just as a competitor to Starlink, but as a potential infrastructure layer for a wide range of device models and global carriers.
The primary uncertainty remaining is the regulatory timeline. While the acquisition is agreed upon, the full integration of Globalstar’s spectrum into the Amazon Leo network—and the subsequent rollout of the “ANT 4” messaging services for Android—depends on final FCC approvals and the successful closing of the merger in 2027.
Amazon makes its entry into satellite D2D with its USD11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar
