Amazon to Buy Globalstar for $11.5B, LEO Network
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- Amazon announced a definitive agreement to acquire satellite operator Globalstar for roughly $11.5‑$11.6 billion, with the transaction slated to close in 2027.
- Globalstar will join Amazon's low‑earth‑orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, expanding its network capacity.
- Apple will partner with Amazon to use the Globalstar network for satellite services on iPhone and Apple Watch.
- The acquisition is framed as a move to challenge SpaceX's Starlink in the direct‑to‑device satellite market.
- The deal has been reported by a wide range of outlets, including Engadget, HotHardware, GeekWire, Gizmodo, Bloomberg, PCMag, and others, indicating broad industry interest.
Why it matters: Apple gains a dedicated satellite link for its iPhone and Watch, while Amazon secures a larger LEO fleet to rival Starlink, reshaping the direct‑to‑device satellite market and potentially squeezing SpaceX's market share; the $11.5‑billion deal also signals heightened competition in low‑orbit connectivity.
