Amazon Moves into D2D with Globalstar Acquisition and Apple Partnership
Amazon has announced plans to acquire Globalstar, marking a major step into the direct-to-device (D2D) satellite market and significantly expanding the scope of its low Earth orbit (LEO) network ambitions.
The deal will give Amazon access to Globalstar’s satellite assets, operational expertise and, critically, its globally harmonised Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum. Combined with Amazon’s existing LEO infrastructure, this will enable the introduction of D2D services delivering voice, messaging and data directly to standard mobile devices beyond terrestrial coverage.
Alongside the acquisition, Amazon has also announced a partnership with Apple, under which its future satellite network will support iPhone and Apple Watch connectivity features, including emergency messaging and roadside assistance. Globalstar currently underpins Apple’s satellite services, meaning the agreement ensures continuity while transitioning to Amazon’s next-generation system.
Amazon plans to deploy its dedicated D2D satellite capability from 2028, integrating it with its broader LEO constellation to create a unified network supporting both broadband and mobile services at global scale.
The announcement highlights several key shifts in the NTN and D2D landscape:
Vertical integration at scale: By acquiring spectrum, satellites and operations, Amazon gains end-to-end control of its D2D roadmap rather than relying on external partners
Device ecosystem alignment: The Apple agreement anchors the strategy in a massive installed base, accelerating the path to mass-market adoption
From broadband to mobility: Amazon’s LEO network evolves beyond fixed connectivity into a hybrid system supporting both broadband and cellular use cases
Strategically, the move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to emerging D2D players, while also reshaping the competitive landscape. Earlier speculation around potential consolidation in the sector had focused elsewhere, but the acquisition of an established MSS operator provides Amazon with an immediate and regulatory-ready entry point into satellite-to-mobile services.
For mobile network operators, Amazon’s stated intent to partner rather than compete suggests a model where satellite connectivity acts as a complementary layer, extending coverage and resilience without replacing terrestrial infrastructure.