Amazon Targets Continuous Connectivity With Globalstar Satellite Network Deal

Amazon plans to expand the capabilities of the Amazon Leo low Earth orbit satellite network by acquiring mobile satellite services operator Globalstar.

The two companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire Globalstar, and the transaction is expected to close in 2027, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, Amazon said in a Tuesday (April 14) press release.

The addition of Globalstar’s mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum licenses and capabilities will enable Amazon to deliver continuous connectivity to consumer, enterprise and government customers around the world, including those in remote areas or who move in and out of traditional cellular networks, according to the release.

“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, senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon, said in the release.

Globalstar CEO Paul Jacobs said in the release that Globalstar has believed for 30 years that low Earth orbit satellite constellations are the best way to connect users and devices.

“The combination with Amazon Leo will advance innovations in digital connectivity that will benefit our customers and advance us toward a more intelligent, continuously connected world,” Jacobs said.

In addition, Amazon and Apple announced in the release that Amazon Leo will power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including satellite-enabled Emergency SOS.

Globalstar currently powers satellite service on Apple’s iPhone 14 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 3. With the new Amazon-Apple agreement, Amazon will continue to support those devices using Globalstar’s satellite constellations and, later, Amazon Leo’s expanded satellite network, according to the release.

“We’re excited to support Apple users through the Leo D2D [device-to-device] system, and look forward to working with mobile network partners to help extend coverage to every corner of the planet,” Panay said in the release.

Amazon built Amazon Leo by putting 200 satellites into space over the last seven years and plans to add “a few thousand more satellites” in the coming years, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a 2025 Letter to Shareholders that was released Thursday (April 9).

“While Amazon Leo is officially scheduled to launch in mid-2026, we already have meaningful revenue commitments from enterprises and governments,” Jassy said.

On March 31, Amazon announced that it had inked an agreement with Delta Air Lines to bring faster Wi-Fi to the airline’s flights by installing Amazon Leo satellite technology on hundreds of Delta planes.