Amazon Leo wins FCC approval to buy iPhone satellite partner Globalstar

The US Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5bn purchase of Globalstar. Globalstar runs the satellite service behind Apple’s iPhone emergency features. On Tuesday, 27 October, the FCC’s Space Bureau cleared the transfer of about 25 megahertz of Globalstar’s mobile-satellite spectrum. The regulator announced it in a press release. That approval ends the FCC’s review of the deal.

Amazon agreed to buy Globalstar in April. The deal gives Amazon Leo Globalstar’s two dozen satellites and its spectrum, as David Shepardson reported for Reuters.

“By approving this deal, the FCC has empowered Amazon Leo to deliver fast, next-gen satellite broadband services, increase competition, and help communities stay connected all across the country,” said FCC Chair Brendan Carr.

Satellites that talk to phones

The spectrum is the core of the deal for Amazon’s direct-to-device plans. Direct-to-device service lets phones and other gadgets connect straight to satellites, without a mobile mast. Amazon plans to use the spectrum to add capacity and reach places that ground networks don’t cover, the FCC said.

The regulator found the deal is likely to benefit the public. It said the deal would improve coverage in unserved and underserved areas and strengthen emergency communications. It found no material harm to the public interest.

Last week, the FCC also let Globalstar serve the US with its C-3 System. That is a planned network of 48 satellites. Amazon Leo may build and launch that system once the deal closes, the FCC said. In July, Amazon also asked the FCC to approve up to 5,105 direct-to-device satellites.

Apple’s satellite partner

Globalstar powers Emergency SOS and Find My via satellite on iPhone and Apple Watch. Amazon has signed an agreement with Apple to keep providing those services, Reuters reported.

Apple invested about $1.5bn in Globalstar in 2024, which gave it a 20% stake. Apple made up about 63% of Globalstar’s revenue last year. Amazon plans to buy Apple’s stake, the FCC said, according to Reuters.

The approval “brings us a step closer to bringing new connectivity capabilities to customers,” Amazon said in a statement quoted by Reuters.

Chasing Starlink

Amazon Leo has launched nearly 400 satellites since April 2025, Reuters reported. It plans thousands in low Earth orbit by 2029. SpaceX’s Starlink has more than 11,000. Amazon has committed more than $10bn to Leo. It plans to start commercial service by the end of 2026, the FCC said, according to Reuters. The company said this month that it had built its thousandth satellite.

The FCC has already approved a 15,000-satellite direct-to-device network for SpaceX. It also cleared a 248-satellite system for AST SpaceMobile. On Thursday, 29 October, it votes on a proposed auction of more spectrum for direct-to-device services.