The FCC's approval of Amazon's acquisition of Globalstar is expected to advance the expansion of Amazon Leo's satellite network. The transaction is valued at $11.5 billion, and approximately 25 MHz of spectrum is expected to be added to Globalstar's existing 24 satellites.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Amazon's plan to acquire satellite communications operator Globalstar for $11.5 billion. The deal is expected to support the expansion of Amazon's Leo satellite network as it competes with SpaceX's Starlink, based on a transaction announced in 2026.
Amazon has already launched approximately 400 satellites and plans to deploy several thousand more in low Earth orbit by 2029. Following the approval, approximately 25 MHz of internationally standardized mobile satellite service spectrum is expected to be added to Globalstar's 24 satellites.
The FCC said that following the acquisition, Amazon Leo will be able to use funding from the C-3 System to build and operate a new satellite network. The C-3 System is part of a global satellite network authorized to provide services in the U.S. market and could also help strengthen emergency communications capabilities.
Like SpaceX, Amazon is advancing its entry into the D2D market and has applied for approval to deploy up to 5,105 Leo D2D satellites over the next several years. Apple has acquired part of Globalstar's shares since 2024 and is expanding its satellite communications services.
The transaction comes amid developments involving Globalstar's market-entry application, Apple's investment activity and SpaceX's D2D approval. It is expected to contribute to competition in U.S. communications infrastructure and strengthen emergency communications capabilities.