Amazon.com Inc. announced on April 19, 2026, that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Globalstar Inc., a leading provider of satellite-based IoT and mobile services, for a total enterprise value of approximately $11.7 billion. The acquisition represents a significant expansion of Amazon’s telecommunications ambitions as it seeks to scale its Project Kuiper low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network. Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon will acquire all outstanding shares of Globalstar in an all-cash transaction, representing a premium over the company's recent valuation.
The deal provides Amazon with immediate access to Globalstar’s valuable S-band spectrum and its existing constellation of satellites. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which received regulatory approval to deploy over 3,200 satellites, has been in a phase of rapid infrastructure development. By integrating Globalstar’s assets, Amazon aims to enhance its ability to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to unserved and underserved communities globally. The acquisition is expected to streamline the technical integration of satellite-to-device communications, a sector where Globalstar has established long-term partnerships with major technology firms.
Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Technology for Project Kuiper, stated that the acquisition is a pivotal step in making satellite connectivity more accessible and reliable. Globalstar’s Executive Chairman Jay Monroe noted that the merger provides the necessary resources to accelerate the deployment of next-generation satellite technologies. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies but remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and international telecommunications authorities.
Globalstar currently operates a constellation of LEO satellites that support a variety of services, including the SPOT satellite messenger and various industrial IoT applications. Amazon confirmed that it intends to maintain Globalstar’s existing service contracts while leveraging the infrastructure to support the broader Kuiper ecosystem. The $11.7 billion valuation includes the assumption of Globalstar’s outstanding debt. Amazon expects the transaction to close by the first quarter of 2027, pending the aforementioned regulatory reviews and the satisfaction of other closing conditions.
This acquisition positions Amazon as a more direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently leads the LEO satellite market in terms of active satellites and subscriber base. By securing Globalstar’s spectrum rights, Amazon gains a strategic advantage in the race to provide direct-to-cell satellite services, a burgeoning field in the telecommunications industry. The deal follows several years of heavy investment by Amazon in ground stations, satellite manufacturing facilities in Kirkland, Washington, and launch contracts with Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance.