Quick Read
- Amazon will acquire satellite operator Globalstar to integrate its infrastructure into the Amazon Leo network.
- Apple and Amazon have signed a deal to ensure continued satellite support for Emergency SOS and other safety features on iPhones and Apple Watches.
- The transaction is expected to close in 2027, with Amazon planning to launch its next-generation Direct-to-Device satellite system by 2028.
Amazon Acquisition of Globalstar Shifts Satellite Connectivity Landscape
In a significant expansion of its space-based infrastructure, Amazon announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Globalstar, Inc. The move, aimed at integrating Globalstar’s satellite fleet and spectrum assets into the Amazon Leo network, directly impacts the future of satellite-to-device (D2D) connectivity for millions of users, including those relying on Apple’s proprietary safety features.
As part of the deal, Amazon and Apple have established a new collaborative agreement to ensure the continuity and expansion of satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch models. Globalstar has long served as the backbone for Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, a feature that has become a critical lifeline for users stranded in areas without cellular reception. By bringing Globalstar under its corporate umbrella, Amazon effectively becomes a primary technology partner for Apple’s critical safety ecosystem.
Securing Apple’s Emergency SOS and Future Satellite Features
The transition is expected to be seamless for current users, though it signals a long-term strategic shift. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, confirmed that the collaboration will continue to support essential services such as Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite. The companies intend to build upon this existing foundation, with plans to leverage the expanded capacity of the Amazon Leo network for future iterations of Apple’s satellite-enabled hardware.
For Amazon, the acquisition is a cornerstone of its broader Leo initiative, which seeks to provide high-speed, reliable connectivity to remote and underserved regions globally. By acquiring Globalstar’s operational expertise and spectrum licenses, Amazon aims to accelerate the deployment of its own next-generation D2D system, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2028. This system promises higher spectrum efficiency and faster data speeds than current legacy standards.
Market Implications and the Future of Global Connectivity
The transaction, which is expected to close in 2027, is subject to regulatory approvals and the achievement of specific operational milestones by Globalstar. The deal allows Globalstar stockholders to receive either $90.00 in cash or a calculated equivalent in Amazon common stock, signaling a major consolidation in the satellite telecommunications sector. Beyond the consumer-facing benefits for Apple users, the merger is intended to bolster resilience for both private and public sectors, providing a vital fallback for emergency response coordination during large-scale natural disasters.
While the acquisition ensures the immediate stability of Apple’s current satellite safety features, the shift to Amazon’s proprietary Leo network infrastructure represents a fundamental change in the supply chain for Apple’s connectivity services, likely positioning Amazon as a critical utility provider for future mobile device innovation.