Observed Signal · Apr 27, 2026 · M&A · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Amazon to Acquire Globalstar to Boost Amazon Leo
Amazon announced plans to acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $11.6 billion ($90 per share), a transaction expected to close in 2027. The purchase is intended to accelerate Amazon’s Amazon Leo low‑Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet service, which is slated to begin commercial broadband service in mid‑2026, and to help Amazon deploy direct‑to‑device (D2D) connectivity using Globalstar’s spectrum licenses. Globalstar operates roughly 24 satellites and has agreements for ~50 additional satellites from MDA Space; Amazon has launched about 240 LEO satellites and holds FCC approval to deploy ~7,700. The deal positions Amazon against incumbent SpaceX/Starlink (reported >10,000 satellites) and aims to create synergies with AWS, Amazon’s retail business, enterprise and government customers, and partners including Apple.
Large acquisition by a major platform (Amazon) that materially advances its cloud and connectivity ambitions, creates direct competition with SpaceX/Starlink, and could have downstream effects on AWS, retail services and enterprise connectivity.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Amazon announced a cash-and-stock deal to acquire Globalstar for $90 per share, worth about $11.6 billion.
- The acquisition is expected to close in 2027 and is intended to bolster Amazon Leo, Amazon’s LEO satellite internet service.
- Globalstar operates about 24 satellites and has agreements to acquire and deploy roughly 50 new satellites from MDA Space.
- Amazon has launched about 240 LEO satellites and has FCC approval to launch roughly 7,700 satellites; Leo commercial broadband service is slated to begin mid‑2026.
- Globalstar owns spectrum licenses that enable direct-to-device (D2D) services and is Apple’s partner for iPhone emergency satellite features.
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Amazon to Acquire Globalstar for $11.6 Billion
Amazon announced it will acquire satellite operator Globalstar for $90 per share in a transaction valued at about $11.57 billion, a deal expected to close in 2027. The purchase includes Globalstar's satellite operations, infrastructure and some globally authorized spectrum licenses; Amazon said the assets will augment its nascent LEO internet network (rebranded as Leo) and help it build a direct-to-device satellite service targeted to begin deployments in 2028. Globalstar shareholders may elect $90 cash or 0.3210 Amazon shares per Globalstar share. Apple—already a 20% Globalstar investor—agreed to provide satellite connectivity for iPhone and Apple Watch features. The FCC said it will review the deal; FCC Chair Brendan Carr commented it could create a competitor to SpaceX in direct-to-cell services. The announcement follows ongoing competition with SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s own satellite deployment milestones and regulatory filings.
Amazon Acquires Globalstar Satellite Provider
Amazon has reached a takeover agreement for satellite operator Globalstar. The deal gives Globalstar shareholders a choice of $90 in cash or 0.321 Amazon shares per Globalstar share; about 58% of shareholders have accepted so far and the purchase is expected to close next year. Globalstar currently operates 48 active satellites (FCC filings) in higher orbits that cover more area per satellite than SpaceX’s Starlink, which has a fleet of more than 10,000 active satellites. Globalstar holds rights to frequency bands that enable direct-to-device communications without an external receiver, supported by a global network of ground stations. Its satellite messaging technology is already integrated into many Apple devices for emergency and off-grid messaging; that functionality is expected to continue after the acquisition. The deal strengthens Amazon’s connectivity assets but does not materially close the gap with Starlink’s much larger constellation.
Amazon Seeks FCC OK for Satellite Mobile Service
Amazon filed with the FCC to launch additional Project Leo low Earth orbit satellites to support a mobile Direct-to-Device (D2D) service. The company plans a constellation expansion of 5,105 LEO satellites, will operate acquired Globalstar assets alongside existing satellites, and intends to partner with mobile operators to deliver coverage for consumers and enterprise use cases. Amazon cited use cases including disaster response, fleet management, IoT connectivity, and emergency messaging. The company has announced operator partnerships (Vodafone, DIRECTV, Herotel, Australia’s National Broadband Network) and aims to begin deploying its D2D network in 2028. The plan is compared to Starlink’s existing carrier partnerships with T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.
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