Amazon has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Globalstar, marking a major expansion of its ambitions in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications and a decisive move into direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. The deal, expected to close in 2027 pending regulatory approval, will integrate Globalstar’s satellite operations, spectrum licenses, and technical expertise into Amazon’s growing Amazon Leo network.
The acquisition is designed to accelerate Amazon’s plan to deliver connectivity directly to standard mobile devices without the need for specialized satellite terminals. By combining Globalstar’s mobile satellite services infrastructure with Amazon’s LEO constellation, the company intends to launch a next-generation D2D system beginning around 2028. This system is expected to support voice, messaging, and data services, extending mobile coverage beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks. Amazon has emphasized that the goal is to close coverage gaps in rural regions, maritime environments, disaster zones, and other underserved areas, while also improving resilience when ground-based networks fail.
Globalstar brings to the transaction decades of experience in satellite communications, along with globally licensed spectrum and an established LEO fleet used for emergency and tracking services. Its assets will continue operating but will gradually be integrated into Amazon Leo’s broader architecture, which is being designed as a unified global connectivity platform combining broadband and direct-to-device capabilities.
In parallel with the acquisition, Amazon and Apple have reached an agreement to extend satellite connectivity services to supported iPhone and Apple Watch models. These services, already used for emergency messaging and location sharing through Globalstar’s existing system, will continue and expand under Amazon’s infrastructure. Features such as Emergency SOS, roadside assistance, and off-grid messaging are expected to remain central, with Apple highlighting the life-saving role satellite communication has already played in real-world emergencies.
Amazon describes the combined system as a step toward building a continuous, global communications layer that complements mobile operators rather than replacing them. The company plans to work closely with telecom partners to extend coverage and capacity.
The deal positions Amazon more aggressively in the fast-growing satellite connectivity market, where competition is intensifying around space-based broadband, IoT connectivity, and direct mobile integration. If successful, the merger could significantly reshape global telecommunications by making satellite-to-phone connectivity a mainstream extension of everyday mobile service.
