Amazon to Acquire Globalstar to Expand D2D Satellite Connectivity
Amazon has agreed to acquire Globalstar, a move that will enable its Amazon Leo satellite network to deliver direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and expand coverage to areas beyond traditional wireless infrastructure.
Under the terms of the agreement, Globalstar shareholders can elect to receive $90 per share in cash or 0.3210 shares of Amazon stock, with total consideration capped at $90 per share. The transaction includes a potential downward adjustment of up to $110 million if certain operational milestones are not met. The deal is expected to close in 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and satellite deployment benchmarks.
“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, SVP of Devices & Services at Amazon.
Globalstar brings a global portfolio of mobile satellite services, including spectrum licenses and an established low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite fleet. Its infrastructure and next-generation satellites will integrate with Amazon Leo’s broadband and D2D systems, enhancing connectivity across remote and underserved regions.
“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 of Globalstar.
Separately, Amazon has entered an agreement with Apple to support satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features, building on Globalstar’s existing role powering satellite services across Apple devices.
