Amazon Finalizes Blockbuster Eleven Billion Dollar Globalstar Acquisition To Rival SpaceX Starlink Network

Amazon secures an 11.57 billion dollar deal for Globalstar, accelerating its satellite internet expansion in Africa and direct to device mobile services.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 8:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Business Insider Africa

Strategic Consolidation In The Low Earth Orbit Sector

Amazon announced a landmark 11.57 billion dollar acquisition of Globalstar on April 14, 2026, marking a massive escalation in the global race for satellite broadband dominance. The deal integrates Globalstar’s established satellite infrastructure and technical expertise into Amazon’s low Earth orbit initiative, which was recently rebranded from Project Kuiper to Amazon Leo. Under the terms of the merger, Globalstar stockholders are offered either 90 dollars in cash per share or 0.3210 shares of Amazon common stock. This acquisition is specifically designed to bridge the significant infrastructure gap between Amazon and SpaceX, the latter of which currently operates more than 7,000 satellites compared to Amazon’s roughly 240 units.

Acquiring Globalstar Spectrum Rights For African Expansion

A primary driver of the transaction is the immediate access it provides to Globalstar’s coveted portfolio of global S band spectrum licenses and existing authorizations. These assets are particularly valuable in the African market, where Globalstar already holds authorizations in countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Gabon. According to industry analysts, this existing footprint offers Amazon a faster regulatory pathway into regions where competitors have spent years negotiating entry. By absorbing Globalstar’s spectrum rights, Amazon can bypass significant bureaucratic hurdles, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for high speed broadband across underserved and remote African territories.

Navigating The Complex Apple Partnership Architecture

The acquisition was complicated by Apple’s existing 20 percent stake in Globalstar and its reliance on the network for Emergency SOS and satellite messaging features. To ensure a smooth transition, Amazon and Apple signed a parallel long term agreement to maintain uninterrupted satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch models. This strategic arrangement removes a major hurdle that had previously threatened the deal’s viability. According to people familiar with the negotiations, the partnership ensures that Apple’s vital safety features will continue to operate over the Globalstar fleet even as it is integrated into the broader Amazon Leo constellation