Amazon acquires Globalstar for $11.57 billion to challenge Starlink

A major move for Amazon in competing with Starlink

Amazon has announced the acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar for $11.57 billion. The deal is intended to bolster Amazon’s fledgling satellite business and bring it closer to competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which remains the largest player in the satellite internet market.

The purchase gives Amazon access to Globalstar’s network of around two dozen active satellites. By comparison, Starlink already has roughly 10,000 satellites in orbit and more than 9 million users worldwide.

Amazon’s satellite internet plans

At the same time, Amazon is developing its own satellite constellation. By 2029, the company intends to place around 3,200 satellites into orbit, with approximately half required to be launched by July 2026 under a regulatory deadline. Amazon currently has more than 200 satellites in orbit, while the launch of its satellite internet service is planned for the end of this year.

Globalstar, Apple and satellite safety services

Globalstar, which is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, is best known for operating the Emergency SOS satellite feature for Apple devices. With Apple’s support, the company is already working to expand its network to 54 satellites; Apple has invested about $1.5 billion in the project. Apple and Amazon have also agreed to continue supporting satellite safety services for iPhone and Apple Watch users. While earlier rumours suggested that Apple could potentially work with Starlink in the satellite communications services market, it is now clear that Apple will work with Amazon.

The transaction is expected to close next year, subject to regulatory approvals and Globalstar meeting a number of satellite deployment requirements.