FCC approves Amazon's $11.57 billion purchase of satellite operator Globalstar

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday 27 October approved Amazon’s purchase of satellite operator Globalstar, a deal its order values at $11.57 billion.

The approval transfers Globalstar’s satellite and ground-station licences to Amazon, together with about 25 MHz of mobile-satellite spectrum that Amazon’s satellite business, Amazon Leo, plans to use for “direct-to-device” services that connect ordinary phones to satellites. Globalstar will become a wholly owned Amazon subsidiary.

The FCC said the deal would expand competition in direct-to-device services, strengthen emergency communications and improve service in areas with little or no coverage. “This FCC authorization is a significant step towards supercharging next-generation connectivity,” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement.

Amazon and Globalstar announced the deal in April. Under a separate agreement announced at the time, Amazon Leo will power satellite features on supported iPhones and Apple Watches, such as Emergency SOS via satellite, The Verge and SpaceNews reported. According to the FCC order, Apple accounted for about 63% of Globalstar’s revenue in 2025 and holds a 20% stake in the company, which Amazon says it will acquire.

The companies expect the deal to close in 2027, subject to remaining conditions, including milestones for Globalstar’s replacement satellites. Amazon has said it plans to launch its own next-generation direct-to-device satellite system from 2028.