Key Highlights
- Amazon’s acquisition talks with satellite provider Globalstar (GSAT) have reached advanced stages, with an announcement potentially coming this Tuesday.
- The acquisition would significantly accelerate Amazon’s Project Kuiper initiative, which currently operates roughly 180 satellites versus SpaceX’s fleet of over 10,000.
- Apple’s 20% ownership position in Globalstar, following a $1.5 billion investment in 2024, adds complexity to deal negotiations.
- Globalstar shares have skyrocketed 273% in the past year amid acquisition speculation.
- The transaction would provide Amazon crucial infrastructure to compete more effectively against SpaceX’s Starlink platform.
The e-commerce and cloud computing giant Amazon is reportedly on the verge of purchasing Globalstar, a satellite communications operator, according to Bloomberg sources with knowledge of the negotiations. An official announcement may come as soon as this Tuesday.
*AMAZON SAID TO NEAR GLOBALSTAR DEAL IN PUSH TO RIVAL STARLINK$AMZN acquiring $GSAT could be announced as soon as tomorrow.
The FT reported on April 1 that AMZN was in talks with GSAT which shot it up over 20% initially on the announcement, and now it looks like the deals… pic.twitter.com/F4p3810hcR
— Negligible Capital (@negligible_cap) April 14, 2026
This strategic acquisition represents Amazon’s aggressive push to expand its low Earth orbit satellite venture, Project Kuiper. The initiative positions Amazon in direct competition with SpaceX’s well-established Starlink network, which maintains a commanding lead in the sector.
Amazon presently maintains approximately 180 satellites orbiting Earth. In stark contrast, SpaceX commands an extensive network exceeding 10,000 satellites. This substantial disparity makes Globalstar a compelling acquisition target for Amazon’s efforts to narrow the competitive gap.
Speculation about this transaction isn’t new. Earlier this month, the Financial Times indicated Amazon was approaching a Globalstar agreement. Bloomberg’s latest reporting suggests the deal is now substantially closer to completion.
Globalstar’s stock price has experienced remarkable growth, soaring 273% over the trailing twelve months. This impressive performance stems largely from acquisition rumors and the company’s positioning within the rapidly expanding satellite broadband sector.
Apple’s Investment Creates Deal Complexity
A significant challenge in finalizing this transaction involves Apple. The technology giant maintains a substantial 20% equity stake in Globalstar following its $1.5 billion capital injection in 2024. Consequently, Amazon must engage in direct negotiations with Apple to complete the acquisition.
Apple leverages Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure to enable its Emergency SOS via satellite capability on iPhone devices. Questions remain about how an Amazon acquisition might impact this existing partnership.
Reuters indicated it was unable to independently verify Bloomberg’s reporting.
Strategic Value of Globalstar Assets
Globalstar manages an established low Earth orbit satellite constellation. Acquiring the company would provide Amazon with immediate satellite infrastructure rather than requiring years of ground-up development.
The transaction would also transfer valuable licensed spectrum to Amazon—a scarce and highly regulated resource essential for satellite communications operations.
Amazon has committed substantial resources to Project Kuiper. While the company has successfully launched satellites and secured launch service agreements, it continues to trail significantly behind Starlink’s operational capabilities.
SpaceX has dedicated years to developing Starlink into a comprehensive global broadband service. Amazon seeks to capture market share in this lucrative sector, and Globalstar could substantially accelerate that timeline.
Globalstar shares declined 0.37% during Monday trading, despite intensifying acquisition discussions. The stock’s extraordinary 12-month rally suggests much of the potential takeover premium may already be reflected in current valuations.
Amazon stock advanced 0.63% on Monday. Market observers are monitoring these negotiations closely given the strategic significance and scale of both companies involved.
Reuters was unable to verify specific deal terms, and neither Amazon nor Globalstar has issued official public commentary as of Monday’s close.
