Amazon has confirmed it will acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a deal worth $11.57 billion.

The agreement will support Amazon's ambitions to build out its Amazon Leo satellite network. The offer put forward by Amazon is worth $90 per share to shareholders in Globalstar.

According to Amazon, the acquisition includes Globalstar satellites, radio frequency spectrum, and operational expertise. This will help Amazon to add Direct-to-Device (D2D) services to future generations of its low Earth orbit satellite network.

Confirmation of the deal comes just a fortnight after reports emerged that Amazon was lining up a bid to acquire Globalstar.

As part of the deal, Amazon and Apple have also announced an agreement for Amazon Leo to power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite.

Apple notably has a 20 percent stake in Globalstar, which it purchased in November 2024 in an equity deal worth around $400 million. It also agreed to give Globalstar $1.1 billion in cash to expand iPhone satellite services. As part of this agreement, Globalstar agreed to allocate 85 percent of its network capacity to Apple.

Amazon noted that the acquisition is part of the company's long-term vision for space-based connectivity, which will see the giant work with mobile network operators (MNOs) and additional partners to deliver connectivity.

“There are billions of customers out there living, traveling, and operating in places beyond the reach of existing networks, and we started Amazon Leo to help bridge that divide,” said Panos Panay, senior vice president of devices & services, Amazon.

“By combining Globalstar’s proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon’s customer-obsession and innovation, customers can expect faster, more reliable service in more places—keeping them connected to the people and things that matter most. We’re excited to support Apple users through the Leo D2D system, and look forward to working with mobile network partners to help extend coverage to every corner of the planet.”

Amazon is set to deploy its D2D satellite system from 2028, rivaling the likes of Elon Musk's SpaceX.

In January, Amazon Leo sought a 24-month extension to its satellite rollout due to launch shortages. The company had agreed to deploy 1,600 satellites by July 2026, half of its planned 3,236 satellite constellation.

Late last year, it was reported that Globalstar was exploring the sale of the company, with SpaceX speculated as a prospective buyer. However, neither company confirmed nor denied the reports.

Launched in 1991 as a joint venture of Loral Corporation and Qualcomm, Globalstar's first-generation constellation consists of 48 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with an additional four satellites in orbit as spares, while its second-generation constellation comprises 24 spacecraft. The company is currently working on a third-generation fleet to support Apple and plans for a larger constellation in the future.

Globalstar provides connectivity services to more than 120 countries.

"We have long believed low Earth orbit satellite constellations offer the most effective path to truly connect users and devices anywhere and anytime,” said Paul Jacobs, CEO, Globalstar.

“The combination with Amazon Leo will advance innovations in digital connectivity that will benefit our customers and advance us toward a more intelligent, continuously connected world.”

The deal is subject to regulatory approval. Around 58 percent of Globalstar's shareholders have already accepted the deal.