The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Amazon's proposed $11.5 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar.

First announced in April, the deal supports Amazon's ambitions to build out its Amazon Leo satellite network to rival the likes of SpaceX's Starlink.

So far, Amazon has launched nearly 400 satellites, with plans to deploy thousands in Earth's low orbit by 2029.

The deal is set to add Globalstar's two dozen satellites, plus approximately 25 megahertz of Globalstar’s internationally harmonized mobile-satellite service spectrum. Globalstar provides connectivity services to more than 120 countries.

Approval of the deal follows the FCC's recent approval of SpaceX's application to deploy 15,000 D2D satellites.

"President Trump is restoring America’s technology leadership. And this FCC authorization is a significant step towards supercharging next-generation connectivity. By approving this deal, the FCC has empowered Amazon Leo to deliver fast, next-gen satellite broadband services, increase competition, and help communities stay connected all across the country," said Brendan Carr, chairman, FCC.

In the FCC's authorization, the regulator said that the acquisition "is likely to benefit the public by enhancing data coverage in unserved or underserved areas," noting that it will also strengthen emergency communications capabilities.

Much like SpaceX, Amazon has its own ambitions to compete in the D2D arena, with the company filing in July to deploy up to 5,105 of its Leo D2D System satellites in the next few years. But it's not just the satellite operators pushing D2D. Earlier this month, US carriers AT&T, T-Mobile US, and Verizon formed a D2D satellite-focused spectrum-pooling joint venture (JV).

The timing of the FCC's approval comes after the Space Bureau’s last week granted Globalstar’s request for US market access for its non-geostationary C-3 System.

The C-3 system is authorized to serve the US market as part of a global network of 48 satellites arranged in 12 orbital planes, with four satellites per plane, operating at an inclination of 52 degrees and an altitude of 1,414 kilometers (878 miles).

"Following the close of its transaction with Globalstar, Amazon Leo may use the C-3 System grant to build and launch this newly authorized system," said the FCC.

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.

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.

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.