FCC approves Amazon Leo’s $11.5bn acquisition of Globalstar

FCC approval enables spectrum transfer

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of satellite service provider Globalstar, according to Reuters. The deal includes the transfer of 25 megahertz of Globalstar’s mobile-satellite spectrum to Amazon Leo, a move the FCC determined will benefit the public without material harm to public interest.

Globalstar currently powers Apple’s Emergency SOS and Find My features via satellite on iPhone and Apple Watch. The FCC’s decision ensures Amazon Leo will continue providing these services under an agreement with Apple.

Amazon’s satellite ambitions accelerate

Amazon Leo plans to use Globalstar’s spectrum to expand direct-to-device satellite broadband services, targeting unserved and underserved areas. The company has already built its thousandth satellite and aims to launch commercial services by the end of 2026.

The acquisition also positions Amazon Leo to build and launch Globalstar’s planned C-3 System, a network of 48 satellites. Last week, the FCC approved Globalstar’s use of the C-3 System in the US. Amazon has separately requested FCC approval for up to 5,105 direct-to-device satellites, reinforcing its commitment to satellite infrastructure.

Competitive landscape in satellite broadband

Amazon Leo’s acquisition intensifies competition in the satellite broadband sector. SpaceX’s Starlink already operates over 11,000 satellites, while AST SpaceMobile has received FCC clearance for a 248-satellite system. The FCC is also set to vote on auctioning additional spectrum for direct-to-device services on October 29.

Apple’s investment in Globalstar, which accounted for 63% of the company’s revenue last year, underscores the strategic importance of satellite connectivity for consumer devices. Amazon Leo has agreed to purchase Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar, further aligning the companies’ interests.

Regulatory and operational timeline

The FCC’s approval marks a critical milestone for Amazon Leo’s satellite broadband timeline. The company has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025 and plans to deploy thousands more by 2029. With the acquisition expected to close in the coming months, Amazon Leo is poised to accelerate its commercial satellite services.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This approval is a regulatory green light for Amazon’s broader satellite strategy, which has lagged behind SpaceX’s Starlink in deployment but now gains critical spectrum and infrastructure. For founders and operators, the deal signals three shifts:

1. Market consolidation: The acquisition reduces the number of independent spectrum holders, making it harder for new entrants to secure similar assets. Companies like AST SpaceMobile or smaller players may now face higher barriers to scale.

2. Consumer expectations: Apple’s reliance on Globalstar for emergency features—now backed by Amazon—sets a precedent for satellite connectivity as a standard rather than a premium feature. Device makers and app developers will need to plan for satellite integration, not just terrestrial networks.

3. Regulatory template: The FCC’s public-interest finding and spectrum transfer approval create a roadmap for future satellite deals. Startups eyeing spectrum acquisitions can use this as a case study for structuring agreements that satisfy regulators while preserving existing partnerships (like Apple’s).

For Indian founders, the story is less about direct competition and more about ecosystem trends. Satellite broadband could eventually complement terrestrial networks in rural or remote areas, but the immediate takeaway is the growing importance of regulatory agility in scaling global infrastructure.

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