KUALA LUMPUR,APRIL — Amazon is nearing a major strategic deal to acquire satellite communications company Globalstar, marking a significant step in its efforts to compete directly with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink in the rapidly growing global satellite internet industry.
According to reports, Amazon is in advanced negotiations to acquire Globalstar, a satellite operator specializing in low-Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity services for commercial, government, and consumer markets. A final agreement has not yet been reached, but sources indicate a deal could be announced soon.
The potential acquisition would significantly strengthen Amazon’s Project Leo satellite program, designed to deliver high-speed broadband internet globally through a large constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.
Amazon currently operates a developing satellite network, but still trails behind Starlink, which dominates the market with thousands of active satellites and millions of users worldwide.
By acquiring Globalstar, Amazon would gain access to:
- Existing satellite infrastructure
- Established spectrum and ground systems
- Enterprise and government communication contracts
- Expanded technical capabilities for rapid deployment
The move is widely seen as part of Amazon’s long-term strategy to close the gap with Starlink, which currently leads the satellite internet industry by a significant margin.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has become a dominant global provider of satellite-based broadband services, serving both civilian and strategic government users.
Amazon’s entry into this space intensifies competition in:
- Global broadband connectivity
- Defense and secure communications
- Aviation and maritime internet services
- Rural and remote internet expansion
One of the key challenges in the negotiation is Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar, which it acquired to support satellite-based features in its devices, including emergency communication services.
This means Amazon would need to navigate discussions involving Apple before any final acquisition agreement can be completed, adding complexity to an already high-value transaction.
The global satellite internet market is rapidly expanding, driven by demand for:
- Low-latency global connectivity
- Disaster-resilient communication systems
- Military-grade secure networks
- Internet access in underserved regions
Industry analysts say competition between Amazon and Starlink could accelerate innovation and reduce costs, but also increase geopolitical and commercial tensions in space-based infrastructure.
Following reports of the potential deal, Globalstar shares have seen increased investor attention, reflecting speculation about a takeover premium.
Analysts suggest that if completed, the acquisition could:
- Fast-track Amazon’s satellite deployment timeline
- Strengthen its cloud and AI ecosystem integration
- Expand its global telecommunications footprint
- Intensify rivalry with SpaceX’s Starlink network
However, the deal remains subject to regulatory approval and complex stakeholder negotiations.
Amazon’s reported move to acquire Globalstar signals a major escalation in the global race for satellite internet dominance.
If successful, the deal could reshape the competitive landscape, positioning Amazon as a serious challenger to Starlink in the battle for global connectivity infrastructure.
For now, markets and industry observers are closely watching whether negotiations result in one of the most significant telecom acquisitions in the satellite era.
