Amazon to Acquire Globalstar in $11.57 Billion Deal, Boosting Satellite Capabilities
Amazon announced the acquisition of Globalstar for $11.57 billion on Tuesday. The deal will support the deployment of thousands of satellites through the Amazon Leo project. Amazon reached an agreement with Apple to continue emergency SOS functionality on mobile devices.
Photo: Wanghao SANG / Unsplash5bn). The acquisition will allow Amazon to deploy thousands of satellites into low-earth orbit through the Amazon Leo project. Amazon stated that the Globalstar takeover fits its long-term vision for space-based connectivity.
Amazon will deploy a next generation satellite system in 2028. Amazon Leo aims to have thousands of active satellites in orbit by 2028. Amazon Leo currently has around 200 satellites in orbit.
Deal Terms and Infrastructure Amazon's takeover offers investors $90 per share in cash or equivalent value in Amazon stock.
Globalstar is a publicly listed company with a market valuation around $10 billion this year. Amazon is taking over Globalstar's infrastructure in Louisiana, Georgia, Dublin Ireland, Rio de Janeiro Brazil, Toulouse France, and two locations in California. Globalstar has a currently active constellation of about 50 satellites.
Globalstar started in 1991 as a satellite communications company. Globalstar has offered iPhone and Apple Watch users emergency SOS mode via its satellites since 2022. Apple took a 20% stake in Globalstar in 2024.
Amazon reached an agreement with Apple on Tuesday to continue offering the SOS functionality on its mobile devices.
Amazon Leo Commitments Andy Jassy said in an annual letter to shareholders last week that Leo has commitments from Delta Airlines, JetBlue, AT&T, Vodafone, DIRECTV Latin America, Australia's National Broadband Network, and NASA.
The commitments are to use Leo satellites for offerings and operations once more satellites come online. A rocket carrying Amazon satellites took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in April 2025.
Competitive Landscape Starlink was launched by Elon Musk in 2019.
Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX. Starlink has more than 10,000 active satellites. Starlink offers internet and mobile phone service to more than 10 million paying customers. 2 billion from individual user fees.
SpaceX is preparing to become a publicly listed company this year. SpaceX has a valuation expected to exceed $1 trillion. Blue Origin announced its satellite project called TerraWave. TerraWave aims to launch at least 5,400 satellites by the end of 2027.
TerraWave focuses on offering internet connectivity to large businesses.
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-14
Amazon announced acquisition of Globalstar for $11.57 billion and agreement with Apple for SOS functionality.
2 sourcesAmazon · BBC News - 2026-04-07
Andy Jassy issued annual letter to shareholders detailing Leo commitments from Delta Airlines, JetBlue, AT&T, Vodafone, DIRECTV Latin America, Australia's National Broadband Network, and NASA.
1 sourceAndy Jassy - 2025-04
Rocket carrying Amazon satellites launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
1 sourceunattributed - 2024
Apple took a 20% stake in Globalstar.
1 sourceunattributed - 2022
Globalstar began offering emergency SOS mode via satellites for iPhone and Apple Watch users.
1 sourceunattributed - 2019
Starlink launched by Elon Musk.
1 sourceunattributed
Potential Impact
- 01
Expansion of Amazon's satellite network through integration of Globalstar's 50 satellites and infrastructure.
- 02
Continuation of emergency SOS services for Apple devices via Amazon-operated satellites.
- 03
Shift in Globalstar's public listing to Amazon ownership, affecting $10 billion valuation investors.
- 04
Increased competition in space-based connectivity with Starlink's 10,000 satellites and Blue Origin's TerraWave plans.
- 05
Potential growth in commitments from partners like Delta Airlines and NASA for Leo services.
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