Amazon is moving deeper into satellite communications with plans to acquire Globalstar, a deal that will expand the capabilities of its Amazon Leo low Earth orbit satellite network and add direct-to-device (D2D) mobile connectivity services.
Expanding Amazon Leo into mobile
The agreement will give Amazon access to Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure, radio frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services spectrum licenses, enabling the company to broaden Amazon Leo beyond broadband connectivity into mobile voice, text and data services.
Amazon said the acquisition will help mobile network operators extend connectivity beyond terrestrial cellular coverage, targeting customers in remote or underserved areas as well as those moving in and out of traditional network coverage.
“There are billions of customers out there living, traveling, and operating in places beyond the reach of existing networks, and we started Amazon Leo to help bridge that divide,” said Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, Amazon.
“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.”
Direct-to-device launch planned from 2028
Amazon said it will begin deploying its own next-generation D2D satellite system in 2028, allowing the company to deliver voice, messaging and data services directly to mobile phones and other cellular devices.
According to Amazon, the Leo D2D system will provide “substantially higher spectrum use and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems,” which it says will translate into faster speeds and improved customer performance.
The D2D platform will integrate with Amazon’s first- and second-generation Leo satellite systems as part of what the company described as a “powerful, unified network” combining fixed and mobile satellite services.
The full Amazon Leo network will ultimately include thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit and support hundreds of millions of customer endpoints globally.
Apple signs on for satellite connectivity partnership
Alongside the acquisition, Amazon and Apple have entered into an agreement for Amazon Leo to power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models.
The agreement will allow Amazon to continue supporting Apple’s current satellite-enabled services, including Emergency SOS via satellite, messaging, roadside assistance and location-sharing capabilities.
“Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working together through Amazon’s core infrastructure services, and we look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo,” said Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple.
“This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital satellite features they have come to rely on, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, so they can stay safe and connected while off the grid.”
Strategic expansion of Amazon’s connectivity platform
Globalstar brings more than satellite assets to the transaction, with Amazon highlighting the company’s expertise in non-geostationary orbit satellites, direct-to-device technology, and critical and emergency communications.
“We have long believed low Earth orbit satellite constellations offer the most effective path to truly connect users and devices anywhere and anytime,” said Paul Jacobs, CEO, Globalstar.
“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.”
Amazon said the deal supports its broader long-term strategy to deliver space-based connectivity at scale, with plans to work alongside mobile network operators and additional partners.
Broader implications for telecoms and enterprise markets
Amazon said the combined platform will strengthen resilience for communications infrastructure, particularly in scenarios where terrestrial networks are disrupted during natural disasters or emergencies.
The company also positioned the expansion as a growth opportunity for enterprise and industrial markets, including IoT applications, fleets, supply chains and remote workforce connectivity, where terrestrial network limitations remain a barrier.
The transaction is expected to close in 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.
