Desk Correspondent , Washington DC - Amazon announced on April 14, 2026, a definitive agreement to acquire Globalstar, a leading mobile satellite services provider, in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $11.6 billion ($90 per share). This move accelerates Amazon's Project Leo, integrating Globalstar's satellite fleet, spectrum licenses, and direct to device (D2D) expertise to extend broadband, voice, text, and data services beyond terrestrial networks starting in 2028.

Globalstar's assets, including its non geostationary orbit satellites and global MSS spectrum, will complement Amazon Leo's growing low Earth orbit constellation, which already has over 200 satellites deployed and plans for 100+ launches. The combined network targets consumers, enterprises, and governments in remote areas, competing directly with Starlink by enabling seamless connectivity for standard mobile devices without specialized hardware.

The deal, expected to close in 2027, boosts Globalstar's capabilities amid regulatory hurdles for Amazon's 1,600 satellite license, while promising faster D2D rollout and innovation in emergency communications. Amazon's shares rose over 3% post announcement, signaling investor confidence in its satellite internet ambitions.