Amazon Moves to Challenge Starlink With $11 Billion Satellite Expansion

Amazon is making a major move in the battle for the future of internet access. The company plans to spend $11.57 billion to acquire Globalstar as it pushes deeper into the satellite business and sharpens competition with Starlink.

The deal gives Amazon a faster route to expand its long-running Leo satellite project, which aims to provide internet and mobile phone services through low-earth orbit satellites. 

Amazon said the takeover supports its long-term vision for space-based connectivity and will help launch a next-generation satellite system in 2028.

This is a tough race for Amazon

This is not an easy market to enter. Starlink, launched in 2019 by Elon Musk, already has a powerful lead.

The company says it operates more than 10,000 active satellites and serves over 10 million paying users worldwide. Its service has become popular in homes, businesses, aircraft, ships, and remote regions where traditional broadband is limited.

Amazon’s Leo project is far behind, with only about 200 satellites currently in orbit. Even after adding Globalstar’s network of roughly 50 satellites, Amazon still has major ground to cover.

Why Globalstar Matters

The takeover gives Amazon more than satellites. It gains infrastructure, operations centres, spectrum assets, and an established communications business with global reach.

Globalstar has facilities in Louisiana, Georgia, California, Dublin, Rio de Janeiro, and Toulouse, giving Amazon a ready-made platform to scale faster.

It also brings an important customer relationship with Apple.

Since 2022, Globalstar has powered the emergency SOS feature on iPhones and Apple Watches, allowing users to send distress signals when regular networks are unavailable. Apple also bought a 20 percent stake in Globalstar in 2024.

Amazon says it has reached an agreement with Apple to continue offering the SOS service after the takeover.

Big Customers Already Waiting

Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy recently said the Leo project already has commitments from major companies and organisations including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, AT&T, Vodafone, NASA and others once more satellites are launched.

That suggests Amazon already has demand lined up if it can execute quickly.

Bezos Expands the Space Push

The competition does not stop there. Jeff Bezos also owns Blue Origin, which is developing its own satellite project called TerraWave. The company says it aims to launch at least 5,400 satellites by the end of 2027 for business internet services.

What It Means

Amazon’s $11 billion move shows satellite internet is becoming one of the most important new battlegrounds in technology.

Starlink leads today, but Amazon is entering with serious money, major partners, and long-term ambition.

The race to control internet from space is only getting started.