FCC Approves Amazon Leo’s $11.5 Billion Globalstar Acquisition

The FCC approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar, clearing a major regulatory step for Amazon’s planned direct-to-device satellite network while leaving the transaction subject to closing conditions expected to extend into 2027.

jajoy39

Oct 28, 2026 - 14:42

0 3

Inside Amazon Leo’s satellite factory in Kirkland, Washington. Company-context image, not a Globalstar satellite or a completed acquisition. Image: Amazon News.

FCC Approves Amazon Leo’s $11.5 Billion Globalstar Acquisition

The Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau has approved Amazon Leo’s application to acquire Globalstar, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for Amazon’s expansion into direct-to-device satellite connectivity. The transaction is valued at $11.5 billion, according to the FCC.

Approval covers Globalstar spectrum and satellite assets

The FCC said its approval covers approximately 25 megahertz of Globalstar’s internationally harmonized mobile-satellite service spectrum. The agency said combining that spectrum with Amazon Leo’s satellite network could expand fixed and mobile services for residential, business and government customers, including in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial wireless networks.

The regulator said the transaction could improve coverage in unserved and underserved areas, strengthen emergency communications, support industrial and enterprise data services, and promote more intensive use of mobile-satellite spectrum. The FCC said it found no material public-interest harms likely to result from the deal.

The FCC also referenced Globalstar’s C-3 non-geostationary satellite system, authorized for U.S. market access as part of a global 48-satellite network. Amazon Leo may use that authorization after the transaction closes, subject to the deal’s conditions.

Direct-to-device plans remain ahead

Amazon has said Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure, spectrum licenses and operating expertise will complement Amazon Leo’s low-Earth-orbit broadband network. The planned direct-to-device system is intended to let mobile-network operators extend voice, text and data services beyond terrestrial cellular coverage.

Amazon and Apple have also agreed that Amazon Leo will power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models. Amazon’s announcement describes services including Emergency SOS, messaging, location sharing and roadside assistance; those capabilities are planned or continuing under the companies’ agreements and should not be read as evidence that the full expanded network is already operating.

Closing is not yet complete

FCC approval does not itself complete the acquisition. Amazon said the transaction is expected to close in 2027, subject to additional regulatory approvals and Globalstar’s achievement of replacement-satellite milestones. Globalstar stockholders representing about 58% of combined voting power had approved the transaction by written consent, according to Amazon.

Reuters reported that Amazon Leo had launched about 400 satellites since April 2025 and planned thousands more by 2029. The FCC’s approval came ahead of an October 29 vote on proposals involving additional wireless spectrum for direct-to-device services.