Amazon to Buy Globalstar for $11.5B, Expand Leo
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- Amazon announced an agreement to acquire satellite operator Globalstar, a move valued at roughly $11.5–$11.57 billion.
- Deal is slated to close in 2027, expanding Amazon’s Leo satellite network.
- Apple said Leo will power satellite connectivity for some iPhone and Watch services, in partnership with Amazon.
- Starlink is referenced as a rival, positioning Amazon’s Leo as a direct competitor in the D2D market.
- Leo will be expanded through the acquisition, boosting Amazon’s direct‑to‑device satellite capabilities.
Why it matters: Amazon gains a larger satellite constellation to compete with Starlink and to offer direct‑to‑device services, while Apple secures a partner for satellite features on its devices; the deal reshapes the satellite internet market and supports long‑term growth for both firms.
