FCC Clears Amazon's $11.5 Billion Globalstar Acquisition, Opening Path to Satellite Phone Service

The Federal Communications Commission's Space Bureau has approved Amazon Leo's application to acquire roughly 25 megahertz of Globalstar's internationally harmonized mobile-satellite service spectrum. The decision concludes the agency's review of Amazon Leo's $11.5 billion purchase of Globalstar and clears a major regulatory path for the companies to combine their assets.

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network, formerly known internally as Project Kuiper before the company adopted the permanent brand name in November 2025. The system is designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet and data services to residential, business, and government customers in areas where terrestrial networks are limited, unreliable, or nonexistent. Customers connect through compact terminals, while the satellites link via optical connections and ground gateways tied into broader internet infrastructure.

The initial constellation is authorized for more than 3,200 satellites. As of mid-to-late October 2026, roughly 390 to 396 of those satellites were in orbit following multiple launches, with manufacturing having reached the 1,000th unit and commercial service still targeted for later in 2026. The Globalstar transaction adds complementary spectrum and existing infrastructure. Globalstar has long operated in the 1.6/2.4 GHz bands for voice and data connectivity, and Amazon plans to use that spectrum and the associated assets to expand capacity and introduce new capabilities, particularly in the direct-to-device segment.

Direct-to-device services aim to connect ordinary mobile phones and similar devices to satellites without requiring specialized customer antennas, extending coverage beyond the reach of terrestrial wireless towers. Amazon has separately filed for authorization to deploy an additional constellation of up to 5,105 satellites for this purpose, with deployment planned to begin in 2028, operating alongside the existing broadband system and Globalstar's current and next-generation satellites. The deal, announced earlier in 2026, involves Amazon acquiring Globalstar as a wholly owned subsidiary while Globalstar's U.S. subsidiaries retain their identities and authorizations, operating as an affiliate to Amazon's satellite systems unit. Closing is expected in 2027 subject to remaining conditions.

The FCC concluded that 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 mobile-satellite service spectrum. The agency also determined that no material public-interest harms were likely to result from the deal. FCC leadership described the authorization as advancing American technology leadership and next-generation connectivity, and officials indicated that approving the transaction empowers Amazon Leo to deliver faster satellite broadband services, increase competition in the market, and help communities remain connected across the country.

The combination is intended to create a stronger satellite operator capable of offering both fixed broadband and mobile services. For Amazon Leo, the acquisition accelerates entry into direct-to-device markets, providing established spectrum licenses and operational experience while the company continues scaling its primary broadband constellation and manufacturing capacity. The result is expected to support continuous connectivity for users moving in and out of traditional cellular coverage, including for emergency services, enterprise applications, and remote residential access.

The transaction remains subject to remaining conditions ahead of an expected 2027 closing. Amazon's separate filing for the planned direct-to-device constellation of up to 5,105 satellites targets deployment beginning in 2028, with commercial service for the core Leo broadband network still targeted for later in 2026.