FCC Approves Amazon Leo's $11.57 Billion Acquisition of Globalstar

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday approved Amazon Leo’s proposed $11.57 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar, according to a Reuters report. The regulatory clearance removes a significant hurdle for the deal, which aims to bolster Amazon's growing presence in the satellite communications sector.

Strategic Network Expansion

The acquisition is a strategic move by Amazon Leo to accelerate the build-out of its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Through the deal, Amazon will integrate Globalstar’s two dozen existing satellites into its network, providing immediate scale and operational assets.

This purchase supports Amazon Leo's ambitious long-term goals. The company has stated its objective to deploy a constellation of approximately 3,200 satellites by 2029. According to the report, it has already made significant progress, having launched more than 300 satellites since April 2025.

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Market Implications

For investors, the FCC's approval solidifies Amazon Leo's strategy to compete in the increasingly crowded satellite services market. By acquiring Globalstar, the company gains valuable satellite infrastructure and spectrum rights, potentially speeding up its timeline for offering commercial services.

The deal underscores a broader industry trend of consolidation and aggressive investment as technology and telecommunications firms race to build out global satellite-based internet and data services. The addition of Globalstar's assets enhances Amazon Leo’s network capacity and geographic coverage as it works toward its 2029 deployment target.