--- title: "Amazon plans to acquire Globalstar to accelerate its satellite internet layout targeting Musk's Starlink" type: "News" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/282626513.md" description: "Amazon is in acquisition talks with Globalstar, which, if successful, will accelerate its satellite internet deployment and enhance competition with SpaceX's Starlink. Globalstar's stock price has nearly tripled, with a market value of approximately $9.4 billion. Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network \"Amazon Leo\" plans to deploy 7,700 satellites, with only 200 currently in orbit. Analysts believe the acquisition will expedite Amazon's progress, and Globalstar's mature network will provide support" datetime: "2026-04-14T03:58:03.000Z" locales: - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/282626513.md) - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/282626513.md) - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/282626513.md) --- # Amazon plans to acquire Globalstar to accelerate its satellite internet layout targeting Musk's Starlink According to informed sources, Amazon (AMZN.US) is in deep negotiations to acquire the satellite communications company Globalstar (GSAT.US). If the deal is finalized, it will help the tech giant accelerate the construction of its own satellite network. The sources indicate that the two parties may officially announce the transaction as early as this Tuesday. However, as of now, the final agreement has not been finalized, and there is still a possibility of negotiations breaking down, with the announcement timing potentially subject to change. Globalstar has not yet responded to requests for comments, while an Amazon spokesperson declined to comment. Over the past year, Globalstar's stock price has nearly tripled, with a current market value of approximately $9.4 billion. This move will be seen as a strategic step for Amazon to inject critical infrastructure and spectrum resources into its low Earth orbit satellite network "Amazon Leo," marking the official entry into a heated competition with Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink system. It is understood that Amazon's self-built "Amazon Leo" low Earth orbit satellite network (formerly known as "Project Kuiper" launched in 2019) aims to provide high-speed internet services to rural and remote areas, with plans to deploy over 7,700 satellites. However, as of now, only about 200 satellites are in orbit, and it has requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for exemptions or extensions on the requirement to deploy 1,600 satellites by July. In contrast, Starlink has approximately 10,000 satellites in orbit and over 10 million active users, with expected revenue exceeding $9 billion this year. Globalstar was initially established as a joint venture by Qualcomm (QCOM.US) and Loral Corp., launching its first batch of low Earth orbit satellites in 1998. By the end of 2025, its mobile satellite service is expected to have nearly 800,000 users. Industry analyst John Davies stated that acquiring Globalstar could accelerate Amazon's progress, as Globalstar already has a mature operational satellite network. Although its network is smaller than Starlink's, it primarily focuses on connecting mobile phones and other devices in areas with poor signal coverage. For example, Globalstar provides emergency satellite communication features for Apple's (AAPL.US) iPhone. Davies also pointed out that Globalstar "will bring different spectrum usage rights, which could be very valuable for Amazon Leo." Amazon CEO Andy Jassy also clarified the commercial timeline for Amazon Leo in a letter to shareholders released earlier. Jassy stated that the company is "about to launch Amazon Leo," with services expected to officially go live in mid-2026, and has already secured revenue commitments from businesses and government agencies. Jassy emphasized that Leo will be deeply integrated with Amazon AWS, enabling seamless data flow between storage, analysis, and AI applications. In terms of customer expansion, Delta Air Lines (DAL.US) has signed on to become its future in-flight Wi-Fi provider, planning to deploy on 500 aircraft starting in 2028; JetBlue Airways (JBLU.US), AT&T (T.US), Vodafone (VOD.US), NASA, and the National Broadband Network of Australia have also joined the customer list Despite falling behind Starlink and another competitor, OneWeb, Amazon is still accelerating its efforts. However, it still faces a "bottleneck" issue in rocket capacity and will rely on competitors' rockets for launches in the short term. According to plans, starting in 2027, Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, will take on the primary task of launching Leo satellites. **Apple Factor: 20% Stake Influence** It is important to note that a significant variable in this potential deal is Apple's attitude. In 2024, Apple invested approximately $1.5 billion in Globalstar to strengthen its infrastructure and acquired a 20% stake in the company. Currently, Globalstar's network is mainly used to support emergency SOS features for iPhones and other low-coverage area connectivity functions. Davies' analysis suggests that Globalstar's expansion plans are deeply tied to Apple's product roadmap, making it unlikely that Apple will easily abandon or change the existing cooperation framework. This means that even if Amazon initiates an acquisition, it will still need to manage the interests coordination with Apple or reach a new commercial arrangement ### Related Stocks - [GSAT.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/GSAT.US.md) - [AMZN.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/AMZN.US.md) - [AMZZ.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/AMZZ.US.md) - [AMZU.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/AMZU.US.md) ## Related News & Research - [Amazon to acquire Globalstar in deal valuing shares at $90 each](https://longbridge.com/en/news/282691303.md) - [Amazon nears deal to acquire Globalstar in push to rival Musk's Starlink](https://longbridge.com/en/news/282622512.md) - ["Demand Has Been Frankly Staggering": OpenAI Highlights Amazon (AMZN) Deal as Growth Driver](https://longbridge.com/en/news/282558720.md) - [OpenAI Says Microsoft 'Limited' Its Reach, Slams Anthropic For 'Inflated $30B Revenue](https://longbridge.com/en/news/282579791.md) - [Amazon nears deal to buy Globalstar, Bloomberg News reports](https://longbridge.com/en/news/282619646.md)