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Amazon has today announced it is merging with satellite internet provider Globalstar Inc. to bolster Leo, its Starlink rival. Globalstar isn\u2019t a household name but you do know its work, as it provides Apple\u2019s emergency satellite connectivity for compatible iPhones and Watches. In a statement, Amazon says the deal will grow Leo\u2019s space-based footprint and enable direct-to-device service for its burgeoning satellite network.<\/p>\n
An interesting wrinkle is Apple owns 20 percent of Globalstar, which it bought for $1.5 billion in 2024, but that didn\u2019t get a mention. Instead, the release says Amazon and Apple have agreed Leo will \u201cpower satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models.\u201d And that this support will continue as Leo\u2019s network evolves, as well as collaborating \u201cwith Apple on future satellite services using Amazon Leo\u2019s expanded satellite network.\u201d<\/p>\n
The release adds Leo\u2019s direct-to-device service won\u2019t start until 2028, and the deal itself isn\u2019t expected to close until 2027. That is, of course, unless Amazon doesn\u2019t placate the FCC into extending its deadline to get more satellites into orbit before July 2026. At present, the company needs to have 1,600 satellites in orbit by that deadline, but only expects to have around 700 actually up in the heavens and working by then.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n