FCC Space Bureau Clears Amazon Leo's $11.57B Globalstar Purchase

The FCC's Space Bureau, working with the Office of Engineering and Technology and the Office of International Affairs, approved Amazon Leo's application to acquire Globalstar on Oct 27, 2026. The FCC's release says the approval covers about 25 megahertz of Globalstar's internationally harmonized mobile-satellite service spectrum and concludes the FCC's review of what it calls an $11.5 billion purchase. Reuters has reported the deal at $11.57 billion.

The FCC said the deal is likely to improve data coverage in unserved and underserved areas, strengthen emergency communications and promote more intensive use of mobile-satellite spectrum, and found no material public-interest harms. The order is conditioned on Amazon's continued compliance with Globalstar's 1999 and 2004 national-security letters of agreement.

"President Trump is restoring America's technology leadership," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement. "And this FCC authorization is a significant step towards supercharging next-generation connectivity."

Globalstar shareholders can elect $90 in cash or 0.3210 Amazon shares per share, with cash capped at 40% of the total. Amazon and Globalstar said in April they expect to close in 2027. Amazon has not updated that timing, and its SEC filing lists French regulatory approvals among the conditions still required.

Globalstar currently powers satellite features on iPhone 14 or later and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Amazon said in April that it signed an agreement with Apple to keep supporting those features, including Emergency SOS, after the deal closes. Apple's 20% stake in Globalstar is set to transfer to Amazon, according to Amazon's FCC filing as described by the FCC order.