Amazon is stepping up its ambitions in the satellite communications space, announcing a $11.57 billion (£8.5 billion) deal to acquire Globalstar as part of its push to expand internet and mobile services.
The acquisition, revealed on Tuesday, will support Amazon’s long-running low-Earth orbit initiative, Project Kuiper (also referred to as its LEO satellite project). Through this move, the company aims to deploy thousands of satellites in orbit over the coming years. Amazon stated that the deal aligns with its “long-term vision for space-based connectivity,” with plans to roll out a next-generation satellite network by 2028.
This expansion positions Amazon more directly against Starlink, the fast-growing satellite internet provider launched by Elon Musk in 2019. Starlink currently holds a significant lead, operating over 10,000 satellites and serving more than 10 million customers worldwide. In comparison, Amazon’s satellite network is still in its early stages, with only a few hundred satellites in orbit.
Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, is also gearing up for a potential public listing, with its valuation expected to exceed $1 trillion. The satellite division is seen as a major revenue driver, generating hundreds of millions of dollars through subscription services.
Even with Globalstar’s existing fleet of around 50 satellites, Amazon faces a major challenge in scaling up operations to meet its goal of launching thousands of satellites by 2028. However, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently highlighted strong early demand, noting partnerships with major organizations including Delta Air Lines, AT&T, Vodafone, NASA, and others that plan to use its satellite services once operational.
As part of the deal, Amazon will take control of Globalstar’s global infrastructure, spanning locations across the United States, Europe, and South America. The company also confirmed continued collaboration with Apple, ensuring that emergency SOS satellite features on iPhones and Apple Watches remain available.
The move underscores Amazon’s aggressive entry into the satellite internet market, where competition is rapidly intensifying. Alongside Starlink, other players like Blue Origin—founded by Jeff Bezos—are also developing large-scale satellite networks, setting the stage for a new era of space-based connectivity.
