Amazon to buy satellite firm Globalstar in $11.57B deal

The cost of personal satellite communication devices for remote areas falls dramatically.

Amazon has agreed to acquire Globalstar, a satellite communications company, in a deal valued at approximately $11.57 billion. The transaction will see Amazon purchase Globalstar's capacity for its Project Kuiper satellite internet service. This acquisition is expected to enhance Amazon's ability to provide broadband internet services. Globalstar currently operates a constellation of 24 low-Earth orbit satellites.

This acquisition marks a significant strategic move by Amazon to bolster its Project Kuiper initiative, aimed at competing with Starlink and other satellite internet providers. By securing Globalstar's existing satellite capacity, Amazon gains immediate infrastructure and spectrum rights, potentially accelerating its timeline for service deployment. The deal highlights the increasing importance of satellite-based connectivity for both consumer and enterprise markets, particularly in underserved regions.

The move could reshape the competitive landscape of satellite internet, forcing rivals to reconsider their own capacity strategies and infrastructure investments. Globalstar's existing customer base and established network also present Amazon with an immediate entry point into the market. Investors and competitors will be closely watching how Amazon integrates Globalstar's assets and whether this acquisition provides a sustainable advantage in the race for global broadband.