# FCC Approves Amazon Leo Acquisition of Satellite Operator Globalstar The $11.5 billion deal enables Amazon to expand its direct-to-device satellite connectivity capabilities. - **Source:** [Engadget - Technology News & Expert Reviews](https://brifing.si/source/16dd2da6-3eea-4d1e-b34f-45e846cdf037) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8cac2705-7825-4c27-b836-0b8534beef99 ## Regulatory Approval Secured The US Federal Communications Commission officially cleared Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar. This regulatory milestone allows Amazon to integrate Globalstar’s mobile-satellite assets into its own expanding network. The commission stated that the merger will likely enhance data coverage for residential, business, and government customers across underserved geographic regions. ## Direct-to-Device Strategy The primary objective of this acquisition is to accelerate Amazon Leo’s entry into the direct-to-device market. By leveraging Globalstar’s existing infrastructure, Amazon aims to provide seamless satellite connectivity directly to consumer hardware. This strategic move positions the company to compete more effectively in the evolving space-based telecommunications sector globally. ## Apple's Existing Connection Globalstar currently provides critical emergency satellite connectivity for Apple iPhones and Watches. Prior to this acquisition, Apple held a 20 percent stake in the satellite operator. Under the new ownership structure, Amazon Leo will continue to power these specific satellite services for supported Apple mobile and wearable device models. ## Expanding Satellite Footprint Amazon Leo is rapidly scaling its low-earth orbit satellite network to challenge established competitors. The company currently has 400 satellites in orbit and recently launched high-quality internet services in Uzbekistan. These efforts are part of a broader roadmap to deploy more than 3,000 satellites in the near future to improve global connectivity. ## Competitive Market Landscape Amazon Leo faces significant competition from SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently operates a much larger constellation of 11,000 satellites. While Amazon’s current fleet of 400 units is smaller, the company is aggressively securing new launch contracts with Arianespace. This acquisition serves as a tactical move to bridge the infrastructure gap between the two rivals. ## Aviation Connectivity Partnerships Beyond consumer mobile devices, Amazon is targeting the aviation sector to broaden its service reach. The company is currently collaborating with Delta Air Lines to integrate satellite internet technology into flight operations. This partnership aims to provide reliable in-flight connectivity, further diversifying Amazon’s service offerings beyond standard residential and business satellite internet. ## Synergy of Complementary Assets The FCC highlighted that the merger combines complementary assets to create a more robust satellite operator. By merging Globalstar’s mobile-satellite expertise with Amazon’s massive scale, the entity is better equipped to offer both fixed and mobile services. This integration is expected to improve service reliability and expand the total addressable market for Amazon. ## Future Industry Implications This acquisition marks a pivotal shift in how major tech firms approach satellite-based telecommunications. By controlling the hardware and the network, Amazon is positioning itself as a primary provider of global connectivity. Observers should monitor how quickly Amazon integrates these assets to challenge SpaceX’s dominance in the low-earth orbit satellite industry. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2299367/fcc-clears-amazon-leo-to-acquire-mobile-satellite-operator-globalstar/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._