The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar, clearing a major regulatory hurdle in Amazon’s effort to compete more directly with SpaceX’s Starlink. The deal gives Amazon access to Globalstar’s satellites, spectrum and direct-to-device technology.
Amazon announced the transaction in April and expects the acquisition to support satellite connections for phones as well as fixed broadband services.
Globalstar brings valuable spectrum
Globalstar operates mobile-satellite spectrum that can support direct connections between satellites and ordinary mobile devices. That is strategically important as satellite companies move beyond special terminals toward standard smartphones.
Spectrum rights are scarce and heavily regulated, making Globalstar’s portfolio one of the key assets in the acquisition.
Amazon Leo already has hundreds of satellites
Amazon says it has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025 and plans to deploy thousands more over the next several years.
The company has also filed for permission to operate up to 5,105 satellites dedicated to direct-to-device services beginning as early as 2028.
The deal expands competition with Starlink
SpaceX currently dominates low-Earth-orbit satellite broadband. Amazon’s acquisition gives Leo a faster route into mobile connectivity and strengthens its ability to offer integrated satellite services.
Competition is moving from rural broadband into aviation, enterprise networks and direct smartphone connectivity.
Apple is part of the equation
Globalstar currently supports satellite safety features used by Apple, including Emergency SOS and Find My. Amazon has said it will continue those services after the acquisition.
Amazon also plans to acquire Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar as part of the transaction structure.
Commercial service is approaching
Amazon Leo expects to begin commercial broadband service by the end of 2026. The company has already announced partnerships and deployment plans in several markets.
The Globalstar assets could broaden that offering once the transaction closes.
Direct-to-device is the next battleground
Traditional satellite internet requires a dedicated antenna. Direct-to-device systems are designed to connect normal phones through satellite links when cellular towers are unavailable.
That technology could be especially valuable for emergency communication, rural coverage and maritime or remote-area connectivity.
The transaction still has closing conditions
FCC approval removes a major obstacle, but the deal remains subject to other regulatory approvals and operational milestones. Globalstar previously said it expected the transaction to close in 2027.
International spectrum and merger approvals may still be required.
Satellite economics remain challenging
Building and launching thousands of satellites requires enormous capital. Amazon has committed more than $10 billion to Leo even before the Globalstar acquisition.
The company will need to convert network scale into enough consumer and enterprise revenue to justify the investment.
Amazon is building a broader connectivity platform
The acquisition fits Amazon’s strategy of combining cloud computing, devices and connectivity. Satellite broadband could extend AWS and Amazon services to customers beyond terrestrial networks.
With regulatory approval moving forward, the competitive gap between Amazon Leo and Starlink is narrowing, although SpaceX still has a large lead in deployed satellites and active users.
Sources
- FCC regulatory approval reported Oct. 28, 2026
- Globalstar-Amazon merger announcement — primary source
- Reuters, Oct. 28, 2026
- Amazon Leo technical materials — primary source
Regulatory approval validates the D2D strategy
Satellite direct-to-device services depend heavily on regulatory coordination because they use spectrum that must coexist with terrestrial mobile networks and other satellite systems. FCC approval therefore matters beyond the merger itself: it strengthens Amazon’s ability to plan a combined network around Globalstar’s assets.
Mobile operators are likely to become important partners because most consumers will access satellite service through existing phone plans rather than buying a separate subscription.
Competition could lower connectivity costs
If Amazon, SpaceX and other operators compete for direct-to-device contracts, mobile carriers may gain more bargaining power and consumers could see broader emergency and rural coverage. The market is still early, however, and satellite capacity per user remains far below that of dense terrestrial networks.
Ground infrastructure remains essential
Even low-Earth-orbit satellite networks need terrestrial gateways, data centers and links into telecom networks. Globalstar’s existing infrastructure can therefore shorten Amazon’s path to broader coverage. Integrating those assets will be a significant operational task after closing, especially as Amazon continues launching its own constellation.
For Globalstar, Amazon’s ownership could accelerate investment in replacement satellites and ground systems. The combination also gives Amazon an established customer base and operating experience in mobile-satellite services as Leo moves from deployment into commercial operation.
