US agency approves Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar
The Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of mobile-satellite operator Globalstar. The regulatory clearance gives Amazon critical spectrum rights and Globalstar's existing constellation to build a communications network that challenges Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink unit. Amazon Leo aims to deploy thousands of satellites for its direct-to-device plan and commercial services by late 2026, while an agreement preserves safety services for Apple. The transaction drew market reactions, including a slip in ASTS stock overnight.
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- ✓ The Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon Leo's $11.5 billion deal to acquire Globalstar on Tuesday.
- ✓ Amazon Leo has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025 and aims to deploy thousands more.
- ✓ The acquisition secures frequencies and mobile-satellite spectrum for smartphone satellite communications to challenge SpaceX Starlink.
- ✓ An agreement preserves Apple's safety services as part of the regulatory approval.
What changed
The Federal Communications Commission officially cleared Amazon Leo's acquisition of Globalstar.
Live updates
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US Agency Approves Amazon Leo Purchase of Globalstar
The Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of mobile-satellite operator Globalstar. The regulatory clearance gives Amazon critical spectrum rights and Globalstar's existing constellation to build a communications network that challenges Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink unit. Amazon Leo aims to deploy thousands of satellites for its direct-to-device plan and commercial services by late 2026, while an agreement preserves safety services for Apple. The transaction drew market reactions, including a slip in ASTS stock overnight.
Why it matters
The Federal Communications Commission greenlit the multi-billion dollar transaction to expand satellite-based smartphone communications and internet service. Amazon has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025 as part of its infrastructure push. This approval sets up a high-stakes connectivity rivalry against SpaceX in low-Earth orbit.
What is confirmed
- The Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon Leo's $11.5 billion deal to acquire Globalstar on Tuesday.
- Amazon Leo has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025 and aims to deploy thousands more.
- The acquisition secures frequencies and mobile-satellite spectrum for smartphone satellite communications to challenge SpaceX Starlink.
- An agreement preserves Apple's safety services as part of the regulatory approval.
What to watch next
- Commercial service rollout by late 2026
- Further competitor stock movements following the regulatory decision
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (20)
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- Reuters — US agency approves Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar
- SpaceNews — FCC clears Globalstar’s $11.5 billion sale to Amazon
- Engadget — FCC Clears Amazon Leo To Acquire Mobile-Satellite Operator Globalstar
- Yahoo Finance — ASTS Stock Slips Overnight As FCC Clears Amazon’s $11.5B Globalstar Deal — Touts ‘Even More Competition’
- Light Reading — Amazon Leo's D2D plan nears liftoff as FCC clears Globalstar buy
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- srnnews.com — US agency approves Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar - SRN News
- cordcuttersnews.com — FCC Approves Amazon Plan to Buy Globalstar to Offer Cellphone Service From Space
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