Amazon’s $11.57B Globalstar acquisition takes direct aim at Starlink

You’ve probably never thought about who owns the satellites that keep your phone connected in the middle of nowhere. This may change soon. Amazon is betting $11.57 billion that you’ll start paying attention. Its acquisition of Globalstar is a major move against Starlink, and the risks go far beyond boasting.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent safety alerts and special deals straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit: CyberGuy.com – Trusted by millions of people who watch CyberGuy on TV every day.
• Additionally, you will have instant access to my information. The Ultimate Scam Survival Guide It’s free when you join.

AMAZON LAUNCHES 27 INTERNET SATELLITES RELATED TO ELON MUSK

What does Amazon’s Globalstar deal mean to you?

Globalstar has been operating as a mobile satellite services provider for over 30 years. It brings something Amazon desperately needs: spectrum. The company operates in Band 53, a slice of spectrum between 2483.5 and 2495 MHz. This accounts for licensed spectrum with global authorizations designed to support fast, low-latency connectivity with reduced interference. This is important. Spectrum is limited, and access to it gives Amazon a real advantage.

Amazon is also acquiring Globalstar’s satellites, infrastructure and global licenses. It is a full package. But the real value is the spectrum. This agreement is also about what this spectrum provides. Amazon plans to use it to power satellite services directly to the device; This will allow phones to send texts, make calls and access data even when there is no cellular signal.

The system is expected to be available starting in 2028 and will support features on devices such as the iPhone and Apple Watch, including emergency messages and roadside assistance. This makes it more than just an infrastructure deal. This is a shift in the way everyday devices stay connected beyond traditional networks.

Amazon vs Starlink: Where is the situation now?

Let’s clarify the difference. Starlink serves more than nine million users and has approximately 10,000 satellites in orbit. Amazon’s Leo network has just over 200 satellites. Adding Globalstar’s two dozen barely moves the number. So why spend $11.57 billion? Because this agreement has nothing to do with satellite counting. This is about future talent.

Amazon plans to launch the next generation direct-to-device system in 2028. This will enable voice, data and messages to be delivered directly to phones. The Globalstar deal gives Amazon the tools to make this happen. Spectrum brings together infrastructure and experience.

MUSK CONFIRMED SPACEX’S SUCCESS IN PREVENTING RUSSIAN SOLDIERS ACCESS TO STOLEN STARLINK UNITS

Amazon’s planned acquisition of Globalstar gives it spectrum, satellites and infrastructure to support satellite messaging, calls and data beyond cellular coverage. (Manuel Mazzanti/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

How will Amazon’s satellite service power iPhones and Apple Watches?

This is the crux of the story. Amazon and Apple have an agreement for Amazon Leo to support satellite features on iPhones and Apple Watches. This includes Emergency SOS via satellite. If you rely on this feature in a dead zone, it will soon work on Amazon’s network as well. Apple says the service has already helped in real emergencies, including stranded hikers and accident victims rescued in remote areas. Amazon will continue to support existing devices using Globalstar’s system while working with Apple on future upgrades. So nothing is broken, but the system behind it is changing.

Amazon satellite timeline and FCC approval

The deal still needs regulatory approval, which takes time. Amazon expects the facility to close in 2027. Although early signs look positive, the FCC will decide. Amazon is also facing a deadline. It plans to deploy approximately 3,200 satellites by 2029. About half should be in orbit by July 2026. This timeline increases the pressure to move quickly.

What does this mean for rural and remote users?

This agreement is most important in places where base stations cannot reach. A satellite link can serve as a backup during disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires. At such moments, having no signal can be dangerous. But the impact goes beyond emergencies. Remote workers, truck fleets, maritime crews, and rural communities will all benefit. These are places where traditional networks fall short. Amazon’s full Leo network will include thousands of satellites. It aims to support hundreds of millions of devices worldwide.

Take my quiz: How secure is your online security?

Do you think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my test here: cyberguy.com

BLUE ORIGIN LAUNCHES 38TH NEW SHEPARD FLIGHT TO SPACE

Amazon launched its second fleet of 27 Project Kuiper internet satellites on June 23, 2025, in Cape Canaveral, Florida, to create a mega constellation that will deliver global broadband internet access. (GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Kurt’s important takeaways

Amazon’s $11.57 billion acquisition of Globalstar sends a clear message. It doesn’t plan to let Starlink dominate the skies. Currently the satellite gap is huge. Amazon knows this. Instead, it is investing in better spectrum, smarter technology and key partnerships like Apple. Amazon executive Panos Panay says billions of people still lack reliable connectivity. Amazon wants to close this gap. This is a real problem and a serious opportunity. The big question is speed. Can Amazon scale fast enough to compete before Starlink gets even further ahead?

If two of the world’s richest companies are vying for control of the skies, who gets to decide how to price and provide that access? So what does this mean for you? Let us know by writing to us. cyberguy.com

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent safety alerts and special deals straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit: CyberGuy.com – Trusted by millions of people who watch CyberGuy on TV every day.
• Additionally, you will have instant access to my information. The Ultimate Scam Survival Guide It’s free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.