Amazon Takes on Musk’s Starlink With $9 Bn Globalstar Acquisition Talks

Amazon is in discussions with satellite telecommunications firm Globalstar over a potential acquisition, as it looks to build its own low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite business, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The two parties are currently negotiating deal complexities, the report said. Following the development, Globalstar Inc.’s shares surged more than 20% in late trading. However, the report cautioned that no agreement has been finalised and that discussions could still change or collapse.

If successful, the acquisition would accelerate Amazon’s efforts to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and its Starlink network.

Apple’s Stake in Globalstar

One key complication in the potential deal is Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar, which would require negotiations between Amazon and Apple. Apple invested $1.5 billion in Globalstar in 2024 as part of an agreement under which Globalstar reserved 85% of its network capacity for the iPhone maker’s satellite-based texting services in areas without cellular coverage.

Separately, Bloomberg reported in October that Globalstar had explored a sale and held early discussions with SpaceX.

Amazon’s Satellite Push

Amazon has already deployed more than 200 internet satellites into orbit as part of its LEO programme, previously known as Project Kuiper. The Seattle-based company aims to operate over 7,700 low-orbit satellites to compete with Starlink in providing high-speed internet access.

Satellite broadband is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to ground-based services, particularly for remote or difficult-to-access regions. Starlink currently has more than 9,600 satellites in orbit and over 10 million active users.

Amazon is still in the process of building and testing its satellite service, and acquiring Globalstar’s network could provide a significant boost. As of the end of 2025, Globalstar had nearly 800,000 subscribers to its mobile satellite services.

What is Globalstar?

Founded in 1991, Globalstar has seen its shares surge in recent months amid takeover speculation, reaching a market capitalisation of around $9 billion on Wednesday.

The company’s stock has risen approximately 230% over the past year, as investors increasingly view it as a potential challenger to SpaceX.

Globalstar has also attracted interest from multiple suitors, as companies look to build their own constellations of low Earth orbit satellites—a segment currently dominated by Starlink.