Amazon ramps up satellite war with $11.6-billion Globalstar buy

Amazon is acquiring Globalstar in an $11.6-billion deal to strengthen its satellite internet business and compete with SpaceX's Starlink. Globalstar's direct-to-device (D2D) network, which enables connectivity without cellular towers and currently powers Apple's emergency SOS and Find My features on iPhones, will help Amazon deploy D2D services from 2028. Amazon currently has over 200 satellites and is racing to deploy 3,200 by 2029, while Starlink already operates 10,000+ satellites serving nine million users. The deal includes an agreement with Apple to continue providing satellite safety services, and is expected to close next year pending regulatory approval.