Amazon entered a definitive agreement to acquire satellite operator Globalstar. The deal expands Amazon Leo satellite connectivity services to offer direct-to-device voice, text, and data. These services target areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
The acquisition includes all Globalstar satellite operations, infrastructure, assets, and spectrum licenses. This move allows Amazon to compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink. Panos Panay, Amazon’s senior vice president of devices and services, stated the move aims to bridge connectivity gaps for billions of users.
The purchase positions Amazon as the second-largest player in the satellite connectivity market. The agreement also includes a deal with Apple to provide satellite services for iPhones and Apple Watches.