Digital Transformation
FCC clears Amazon Leo's $11.5bn Globalstar deal, opening a path to direct-to-device service
2 min read
The FCC has approved Amazon Leo's purchase of Globalstar and about 25 MHz of its mobile-satellite spectrum. The deal gives Amazon a route into direct-to-device service, but no launch date for it yet.
In brief
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by the editor. Developing.
On 27 October the FCC's Space Bureau approved Amazon Leo's application to acquire approximately 25 MHz of Globalstar's internationally harmonised mobile-satellite service spectrum. The FCC said in its news release that this concludes its review of the $11.5bn purchase. The accompanying order (DA 26-1160) found the deal likely to improve coverage in unserved areas and emergency communications, with no material public-interest harms.
What Amazon gets
Under the order, Globalstar becomes a wholly owned Amazon subsidiary operating as an affiliate of Kuiper Systems (Amazon Leo). The order says Globalstar serves more than 780,000 end-user devices in over 120 countries and provides satellite connectivity for iPhone 14 and newer. Apple accounted for about 63% of Globalstar's 2025 revenue. Reuters describes the purchase as adding Globalstar's "two dozen satellites"; the FCC order says Globalstar is authorised to launch up to 26 satellites, nine of them pending a debris-mitigation plan. The order adds that Amazon says it anticipates providing service to Apple, with more features and improved service.
According to the order, Amazon has committed more than $10bn to Leo and has launched over 300 satellites since April 2025. Reuters puts the figure at nearly 400.
What direct-to-device means, and when
Direct-to-device (D2D) lets ordinary smartphones connect straight to satellites. The FCC notes that Amazon currently holds no spectrum able to reach a phone without special hardware. Globalstar's L- and S-band spectrum fills that gap. Amazon's own D2D constellation still awaits a separate FCC licence. Via Satellite reports that the application is for up to 5,105 satellites.
On timing, the order says Amazon expects to start commercial services by the end of 2026. It gives no date for D2D service. Via Satellite reports that Amazon has not updated the closing date, which was expected in 2027 when the deal was announced. In ByteNib's reading, consumer D2D service from Amazon is unlikely before the deal closes and the D2D licence is granted.
Sources and scope
- FCC news release, 27 Oct 2026: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-426214A1.pdf
- FCC order DA 26-1160, GN Docket 26-134: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1160A1.pdf
- Reuters (via Investing.com) and Via Satellite, 27 Oct 2026, linked above
Light Reading was not consulted. The timing assessment is ByteNib editorial analysis.
Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by the editor before publication.
Continue exploring: Digital Transformation analysis, the related implementation tutorial, and the structured learning path.