Amazon is exploring a move that, if confirmed, would reshape the satellite connectivity landscape. According to Financial Times and Reuters reports, the company is in advanced discussions to acquire Globalstar in a deal valued around $9 billion. As of now, there is no official confirmation from Amazon, Globalstar, or Apple, so this should be considered an ongoing negotiation rather than a finalized agreement.
The potential purchase aligns with a particularly delicate moment for Amazon in the space sector. Its satellite network, previously known as Project Kuiper and renamed Amazon Leo in November 2025, already has more than 200 satellites in orbit and plans for an initial constellation of over 3,000 devices. However, it remains far behind Starlink’s accumulated deployment.
An Industrially Meaningful Deal, but Still Not Closed
The most straightforward interpretation is clear: Amazon wants to accelerate. Amazon Leo was created to deliver broadband internet to underserved land areas, while Globalstar operates in mobile satellite services and specialized connectivity for voice, data, and tracking. The businesses are not identical but are complementary. If the purchase goes through, Amazon would gain orbital assets, terrestrial infrastructure, regulatory expertise, ongoing contracts, and a stronger position in direct connectivity and mobile satellite services. This conclusion is drawn from the current activities of both companies, although Amazon has not publicly framed it this way.
Additionally, Globalstar is not an immobile company or merely a collection of old satellites. In its 2025 annual report to the SEC, the company stated it expects to receive in 2026 an initial group of 17 replacement satellites for its current system and has also signed an agreement in February 2025 with MDA Space to acquire more than 50 third-generation satellites tied to its expanded satellite mobile services network. The company also detailed launch agreements with SpaceX for this new infrastructure.
Apple’s Role Complicates Negotiations
However, there is a key player: Apple. Reuters reported in November 2024 that Cupertino committed to investing up to $1.5 billion in Globalstar, including $1.1 billion in cash and $400 million to acquire approximately a 20% stake. This deal was linked to expanding satellite services used in Apple devices and clearly amplifies its influence over Globalstar.
This explains why negotiations with Amazon won’t be straightforward. Reuters indicated that discussions are also conditioned on the need to coordinate with Apple, particularly because of that 20% stake and Globalstar’s strategic role in the satellite connectivity roadmap for the iPhone manufacturer. In other words, it’s not just about valuing a publicly traded company but aligning industrial interests that are already intertwined.
Globalstar’s public documentation reinforces this idea without explicitly mentioning Apple in every section. In its 2025 10-K, the company refers to a major “Customer” with whom it updated agreements in October 2024 to deploy an expanded MSS network, a new constellation, and additional ground infrastructure. This language coincides temporally with Apple’s announced investment and its growing satellite services linked to the Apple ecosystem.
Starlink Remains Significantly Ahead
While headlines might suggest an imminent direct rivalry with Starlink, the reality is more complex. Amazon Leo is still in rapid deployment. Amazon itself acknowledges that its initial constellation will consist of a bit more than 3,000 satellites, having just surpassed 200 in orbit. Starlink, on the other hand, operates on a much larger scale with a massive network and years of operational advantage. Reuters estimated SpaceX’s constellation at more than 9,500 satellites with over nine million users worldwide when reporting on the possible deal.
This means that acquiring Globalstar wouldn’t instantly make Amazon a competitor of Starlink in consumer satellite broadband. However, it could strengthen several critical components: spectrum, licenses, terrestrial infrastructure, space assets, and direct experience in mobile satellite connectivity. In a market where competition is shifting from rural internet to direct device services, emergency communications, messaging, and hybrid communications, this consolidated value could be greater than satellite counts alone suggest. This is a reasonable inference based on Amazon Leo’s positioning and Globalstar’s industrial plans, even if not officially expressed by the companies.
What’s Truly at Stake
The potential deal also reveals something deeper: satellite connectivity is no longer just a niche business for remote areas. Amazon Leo aims to be a global infrastructure for bringing internet where traditional networks don’t reach. Globalstar is working on mobile satellite services and an expanded network with new satellites and increased capacity. Apple leverages this layer for critical functions in its devices. And Starlink has proven that the market can grow rapidly when the technical scale supports it.
Therefore, the key isn’t just whether Amazon acquires Globalstar but the signal it sends to the industry. Commercial space race is no longer solely about launching more satellites but about controlling the entire supply chain: orbit, spectrum, terminals, gateways, terrestrial fiber, cloud infrastructure, and partnerships with device manufacturers. Amazon possesses financial strength, cloud infrastructure, and enough ambition to cut into existing advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar confirmed?
No. So far, what has been reported is information from Financial Times and Reuters about advanced negotiations valued at around $9 billion. There has been no official announcement of a completed deal.
What would Amazon gain from Globalstar?
It could acquire satellite assets, terrestrial infrastructure, experience in mobile satellite services, and a stronger position in direct connectivity and MSS. It would also help accelerate Amazon’s deployment against more mature competitors. This interpretation is based on the declared assets and plans of both companies.
Can Apple block or complicate the deal?
Yes, definitely. Apple announced in 2024 an investment of up to $1.5 billion in Globalstar, including almost a 20% stake, making it a key stakeholder in any negotiations.
Would this acquisition immediately rival Starlink?
No. Amazon Leo has just surpassed 200 satellites and aims for an initial constellation over 3,000, whereas Starlink operates at a much larger scale. The deal would bolster Amazon’s position but wouldn’t close the deployment gap outright.