Amazon Reportedly in Talks to Acquire Globalstar, Challenging SpaceX's Starlink

Amazon is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a move that would dramatically escalate the competition for global satellite internet dominance. According to sources familiar with the matter, the deal could be announced within days and would position Amazon's 'Project Kuiper' as a formidable challenger to SpaceX's Starlink network.

An acquisition of the Louisiana-based Globalstar, currently valued at over $9 billion, would provide Amazon with a significant shortcut in its space ambitions. Instead of building its constellation from scratch, Amazon would gain Globalstar's existing fleet of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, valuable licensed spectrum, and an established ground infrastructure. This would rapidly accelerate the rollout of its own satellite broadband service, which aims to provide high-speed internet to underserved and remote areas worldwide.

The move also has implications for Apple, which invested $1.5 billion in Globalstar in 2024 for a 20% stake to power the iPhone's Emergency SOS feature. How this existing partnership would be affected by an Amazon takeover remains a key question. Meanwhile, the satellite internet market heats up, with SpaceX planning a public offering for its highly successful Starlink division before the summer of 2026.

For Amazon, the acquisition is about more than just satellites; it's about securing a vertically integrated ecosystem for a future of connected devices, cloud services, and logistics. While no final agreement has been reached and talks could still falter, a successful deal would mark one of the most significant strategic moves in the space industry this year.