Amazon Agrees to Acquire Globalstar for $11.57 Billion in Cash or Stock Deal

57 billion, the company announced. 3210 shares of Amazon common stock for each share of Globalstar stock. The acquisition transaction is expected to close in 2027. Amazon will acquire Globalstar's existing satellite operations, infrastructure, and assets, including spectrum licenses with global authorizations.

Globalstar operates roughly 24 satellites, and its new satellites and existing fleet will operate alongside Amazon's network. Amazon expects to start deploying its direct-to-device satellite system in 2028. Amazon agreed to a deal with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhones and Apple Watch features.

5 billion investment. Globalstar powers Apple's Emergency SOS feature that enables devices to send texts in isolated areas. Globalstar provides satellite services including emergency text messaging, requesting roadside assistance, and location sharing on iPhone 14 and later devices in certain regions.

Globalstar has agreements to acquire more than 50 new satellites. Globalstar has an agreement with SpaceX to launch replacement satellites for its current constellation this year.

Amazon's Satellite Network Development Amazon unveiled plans six years ago to build a constellation of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites for high-speed, low-latency internet.

Amazon aims to develop a network of thousands of advanced satellites in low-Earth orbit to support hundreds of millions of customer endpoints around the world. Amazon rebranded its satellite service from Project Kuiper to Leo. Amazon Leo is slated to launch with more than 3,200 satellites in low-Earth orbit.

Amazon has launched about 200 satellites so far. Amazon has launched more than 240 satellites since last April through rocket launches by partners including United Launch Alliance and SpaceX. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites launched on April 9, 2025, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Amazon requested more time from the Federal Communications Commission in January to meet a deadline requiring launch of roughly 1,600 satellites by July 2026. Amazon requested an extension from the Federal Communications Commission for a deadline requiring about 1,600 satellites in orbit by July this year.

Competitive Landscape in Satellite Internet Starlink operates more than 10,000 satellites and offers internet services in about 150 countries.

Starlink has more than 10,000 satellites in orbit. Starlink has over 9 million users. The Federal Communications Commission authorized Starlink to launch another 7,500 satellites into orbit.

“'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.' — Panos Panay, Amazon's senior vice president of devices and services Shares of Globalstar surged more than 9% in premarket trading on Tuesday.”