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Seattle: Amazon has taken the fight for the skies to another level by announcing a definitive agreement to acquire satellite communications giant Globalstar for about $11.57 billion. The acquisition will help Jeff Bezos to directly compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink in the race for global connectivity.
This boosts Amazon’s space ambitions, which were earlier centered around Project Kuiper, its planned constellation of over 3,000 low-earth satellites (LEOs). With this acquisition, Amazon can potentially offer satellite-based connectivity features, bypassing conventional telecom communications technologies.
Until now, Globalstar has offered Apple’s customers satellite-based safety features like Emergency SOS and Find My for Apple’s range of devices. In 2024, Apple took a 20% stake in Globalstar. Following the deal, Amazon said it has reached an agreement with Apple to continue offering these services through Globalstar’s current fleet of satellites that Amazon aims to ramp up with its Amazon Leo satellite system.
“By combining Globalstar’s proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon’s customer-obsession and innovation, customers can expect faster, more reliable service in more places—keeping them connected to the people and things that matter most. We’re excited to support Apple users through the Leo D2D system, and look forward to working with mobile network partners to help extend coverage to every corner of the planet.” Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, Amazon, said in a blog post.
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