FCC Approves Amazon’s Globalstar Acquisition, Strengthening D2D Competition
The US Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar, clearing a major regulatory hurdle in Amazon’s plans to become a significant player in the emerging direct-to-device satellite market.
The approval, announced on 27 October, gives Amazon control of Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure and approximately 25 MHz of internationally harmonised Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum. The acquisition provides Amazon with an established satellite communications business and valuable spectrum rights as it prepares to expand beyond its existing LEO broadband plans.
The FCC concluded that the transaction would strengthen competition in satellite-to-mobile services, improve connectivity in underserved areas and support emergency communications and industrial IoT applications. It also found no material competitive harm from combining the businesses, noting their largely complementary activities in fixed broadband and mobile satellite connectivity.
For Amazon, access to Globalstar’s L- and S-band spectrum is particularly important. The company has already filed an application to deploy up to 5,105 dedicated D2D satellites, using the acquired spectrum to provide connectivity directly to smartphones and IoT devices. That proposed constellation would operate alongside Amazon Leo’s broadband network and Globalstar’s existing satellite systems.
The approval follows another significant regulatory milestone for Globalstar. Earlier this month, the FCC authorised its next-generation C-3 constellation for US market access, comprising 48 operational LEO satellites and six on-orbit spares. Built by MDA Space, the system is designed to expand capacity and improve the performance of Globalstar’s satellite messaging and D2D services.
Globalstar already supports satellite connectivity for Apple devices, including emergency SOS and messaging capabilities on compatible iPhones and Apple Watches. Amazon has also reached an agreement with Apple to continue supporting these services, giving the combined business an established route into the consumer satellite communications market.
The acquisition also brings Globalstar’s XCOM RAN private 5G business into Amazon’s portfolio. While its future role remains unclear, the technology could provide opportunities for integration with Amazon’s enterprise, cloud and industrial connectivity activities.
The deal comes as competition in D2D intensifies. SpaceX recently secured FCC authorisation for a constellation of up to 15,000 next-generation Starlink Mobile satellites, while AST SpaceMobile has received approval for its own 248-satellite system. Unlike SpaceX, which is increasingly exploring a standalone US mobile network, Amazon has indicated that it intends to work with existing mobile operators and other partners to deliver satellite-to-device services.
The FCC is also preparing to consider proposals that could expand the spectrum available for satellite-to-mobile connectivity, highlighting the growing regulatory importance of D2D as it moves beyond basic emergency messaging.
The Globalstar acquisition is expected to close in 2027, subject to remaining conditions, while Amazon’s larger dedicated D2D constellation is still awaiting regulatory authorisation.