FCC clears Amazon's $11.5 billion Globalstar purchase for its Leo satellite network

US regulators signed off on Amazon's planned purchase of Globalstar, a deal valued around $11.5 billion, which lets Amazon's Leo satellite broadband unit add Globalstar's satellites and mobile-satellite spectrum. The approval was reported on October 28, 2026. For holders, the move strengthens Amazon's push into satellite connectivity and direct-to-device service against SpaceX's Starlink, and it adds to the capital Amazon has already committed to Leo, which the company says should begin commercial service by year-end.

1. The FCC approved Amazon's roughly $11.5 billion acquisition of Globalstar, per a Benzinga report dated October 28, 2026.
2. The deal adds about two dozen Globalstar satellites and 25 megahertz of mobile-satellite spectrum to Amazon Leo.
3. Amazon Leo has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025 and plans to deploy thousands by 2029.
4. Amazon has committed over $10 billion to Leo and expects commercial services to begin by year-end.
5. Amazon has outlined plans for up to 5,105 direct-to-device satellites, with deployments starting in 2028.
6. Globalstar currently supports Apple's satellite-enabled emergency SOS and Find My features; Apple and Amazon agreed to keep satellite connectivity for supported iPhones and Apple Watches.