Amazon today officially announced that it will acquire Globalstar Inc, further strengthening its Amazon Leo satellite-based internet service offering. The acquisition will also allow them to add “Direct-to-Device” features, enabling mobile service providers to expand their voice, data and messaging service offerings beyond their cellular networks.
Globalstar has previously been a leader in the satellite-based services arena. With this acquisition, Amazon will also receive access to Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure, assets, and a number of global spectrum licenses owned by Globalstar. This acquisition will also provide access to Globalstar’s existing satellites, and allow Amazon Leo to expand globally more quickly and stably.
Amazon said that Direct-to-Device features under the Amazon Leo brand will begin to be offered starting in 2028 – after the completion of this acquisition. In addition, Amazon also announced that it will offer satellite connectivity services to iPhone and Apple Watch.
Amazon paid $11.5 billion for this takeover of Globalstar.
