FCC approves Amazon’s €11.5bn purchase of Globalstar

The US Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon’s €11.5 billion acquisition of satellite telecommunications provider Globalstar.

The approval allows Amazon to integrate Globalstar’s existing satellite assets, infrastructure and licences into its own low‑Earth‑orbit internet service, Leo, as it seeks to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.

In a release dated 27 October, the FCC said the transaction is “likely to benefit the public by enhancing data coverage in unserved or underserved areas, strengthening emergency communications capabilities, fostering growth in industrial and enterprise data services, and promoting more intensive use of the mobile‑satellite service spectrum”. It added that no material public‑interest harms were expected.

FCC chair Brendan Carr described the authorisation as “a significant step towards supercharging next‑generation connectivity”, noting that it will enable Amazon Leo to deliver faster satellite broadband, increase competition and help communities stay connected across the United States.

Amazon has already deployed nearly 400 Leo satellites and built over 1,000 for its initial constellation, with a target of more than 3,000 satellites in orbit. The Globalstar integration will add direct‑to‑device services and extend cellular coverage, with Amazon planning to launch its own D2D satellite system by 2028.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: Dylan Leagh / Pexels.