Jeff Bezos' Amazon buys Globalstar for $11.57 billion, in a move aimed at competing with Elon Musk's Starlink. The agreement provides Amazon with access to Globalstar's 24 satellite network, strengthening the Leo network that it develops to target 3,200 satellites by 2029. The acquisition is expected to be completed next year, with Globalstar shares rising more than 9% after the announcement on April 14, 2026. Apple, which has invested $1.5 billion in Globalstar, will continue to use its satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch.
Analyticalally:
Amazon's Amazon Jeff Bezos will acquire Globalstar to compete with its biggest competitor, Starlink, of Elon Musk.
The $11.57 billion deal to acquire the satellite company Globalstar will boost Jeff's newly created satellite activity Bezos, who seeks to compete with SpaceX's Starlink, company of Elon Musk.
Globalstar satellite company shares increased by over 9% in pre-market transactions, after having won over 6% in the last two weeks, after reports on company discussions.
The share value has increased by about 12% so far this year, while Amazon's growth of about 1% on Easter Tuesday (14.04.2026).
What Amazon wins
The deal provides Amazon with access to the Globalstar network, which consists of 24 satellites, strengthening the technological giant's ambitions to compete with Starlink, which currently has about 10,000 units in orbit.
According to the agreement, satellite company shareholders can choose to receive either $90 in cash or Amazon 0,3210 shares for each share of Globalstar held, companies said.
Amazon is acquiring @Globalstar to support our long-term view for Amazon Leo.
The agreement will allow us to build a next-generation direct-to-device assembly that links to Leo first- and second-generation systems, forming an unified network to connect homes of... pic.twitter. com/uzba7V9RSa
— Amazon Leo (@Amazonleo) April 14, 2026
Amazon works to strengthen the Leo network by developing around 3,200 satellites in low orbit around Earth by 2029, with about half being placed by the July 2026 regulatory deadline.
The company currently operates a network of more than 200 satellites and is preparing to launch its satellite internet services later this year.
By contrast, Mask's Starlink – the dominant internet service provider via satellite – already serves more than nine million users worldwide.
Who is Globalstar?
Globalstar, based in Covington, Louisiana, known as the service supporting the operation «Emergency SOS» Apple, operates about 24 satellites in low orbit around Earth. At the end of last year, the company announced that a new network under development, supported by Apple, would extend this number to 54 satellites, including a small number of backups.
Globalstar offers voice, data and asset monitoring services to customers in all sectors of the business, government and consumer market.
At the same time, Amazon and Apple – which has invested about $1.5 billion in Globalstar – have signed an agreement to continue support for satellite security functions, such as Emergency SOS and Find My, for iPhone and Apple Watch users.
The acquisition is expected to be completed next year, subject to approval by regulatory authorities and the achievement of specific satellite development milestones by Globalstar.
