Amazon announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire Globalstar, enabling its Amazon Leo low Earth orbit satellite network to add direct-to-device services. The deal combines Globalstar's satellite operations, infrastructure, and MSS spectrum licenses with Amazon's planned network, allowing Amazon Leo to extend cellular coverage to customers beyond terrestrial networks. This acquisition positions Amazon to deliver continuous connectivity for consumer, enterprise, and government customers worldwide.

Amazon also signed an agreement with Apple to power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch models, including Emergency SOS via satellite. Globalstar currently partners with Apple to provide satellite service on iPhone 14 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 3, enabling users to text emergency services, message friends and family, request roadside assistance, and share their location. The new agreement ensures continued support for these features while expanding capabilities through Amazon Leo's expanded satellite network.

Beginning in 2028, Amazon Leo will deploy its own next-generation D2D satellite system, offering substantially higher spectrum use and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems. The complete Amazon Leo network will include thousands of advanced satellites in low Earth orbit with enough capacity to support hundreds of millions of customer endpoints globally. This acquisition accelerates innovation in the satellite communications sector, strengthens resilience for private and public sector operations, and drives economic growth while closing the digital divide.