Amazon has announced that it has acquired and is merging with satellite internet provider Globalstar to bolster Leo, its Starlink competitor.
Globalstar, though not much of a well-known name, provides Apple’s emergency connectivity features for both compatible iPhones and Apple Watches. In a statement, Amazon said that the deal will grow Leo’s space-based footprint and enable direct-to-device service for the network.
An interesting point to note is that Apple owns 20 per cent of Globalstar, which was purchased for US $1.5 billion (approximately C$2 billion). However, Amazon’s press release doesn’t mention the purchase, instead saying that both Apple and Amazon have agreed that Leo will “power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models.” Alongside that, support will continue as Leo’s network evolves, and collaboration with the smartphone giant on future satellite services using Amazon Leo’s network will continue.
The release also adds that Leo’s direct-to-device service won’t start until 2028, and the deal itself isn’t expected to close until 2027. Although if you remember from yesterday, Amazon is well below its target of deploying 1,618 satellites by July 2026, and the company basically begged FCC Chair Brendan Carr for an extension. So far, Engadget notes that the company expects to only have around 700 satellites up and operating in low-Earth orbit by then.
Source: Amazon News Via EngadgetÂ
