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Yes. On October 27, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau approved Amazon Leo’s application to acquire control of Globalstar’s satellite licenses, authorizations, spectrum and related assets. The approval covers the regulatory transfer needed for the approximately $11.5 billion transaction, but it does not mean the merger has closed: the companies still expected completion in 2027, subject to remaining approvals, legal conditions and satellite milestones.
What did the FCC approve?
The Space Bureau approved the transfer of control of Globalstar’s space-station and earth-station authorizations, domestic and international Section 214 authorizations, experimental licenses and associated subsidiaries and infrastructure. The proceeding was identified as GN Docket 26-134; the FCC’s June public notice had found the application acceptable for filing after its initial review.
The authorization also covers approximately 25 MHz of Globalstar’s internationally harmonized mobile-satellite-service spectrum. Amazon says it plans to combine that spectrum and Globalstar’s operating infrastructure with Amazon Leo’s satellite network to add capacity and capabilities for direct-to-device connectivity, fixed broadband and mobile services aimed at residential, business and government users.
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Why did the FCC approve the transaction?
The agency’s public-interest finding was that the combined assets are likely to improve connectivity where terrestrial networks are unavailable or inadequate. The FCC said the deal could enhance data coverage in unserved and underserved areas, strengthen emergency communications, support industrial and enterprise data services and increase use of mobile-satellite spectrum.
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In the agency’s words, “The FCC found that the transaction is likely to benefit the public by enhancing data coverage in unserved or underserved areas.” The FCC also found no material public-interest harms likely to result from the transfer.
What does Amazon get from Globalstar?
Globalstar contributes more than satellites. Its value to Amazon Leo is a package of spectrum rights, operating authorizations, ground and space infrastructure and an established service and customer base that can complement a new low-Earth-orbit constellation.
| Globalstar asset | What it could add to Amazon Leo |
|---|---|
| Approximately 25 MHz of mobile-satellite spectrum | Additional capacity for satellite and direct-to-device services, subject to applicable national authorizations |
| Space-station and earth-station licenses | Existing regulatory authority for parts of the space and ground network |
| Domestic and international Section 214 authorizations | Telecommunications operating authority that transfers with control, subject to the FCC’s conditions |
| Globalstar satellites and related infrastructure | Operating assets that can supplement Amazon Leo’s planned constellation |
| Consumer, enterprise and government service relationships | An installed service footprint, including Globalstar’s SPOT business and Apple satellite services |
How large is Amazon Leo’s planned network?
Reuters reported in 2026 that Amazon had launched more than 300 Amazon Leo satellites since April 2025 and was targeting about 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit by 2029. More than 200 satellites were already counted in the Leo network, with roughly two dozen Globalstar satellites expected to be added through the transaction.
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Amazon had committed more than $10 billion to Leo and was preparing commercial satellite services for the end of 2026, according to information cited in Reuters’ account of FCC materials. Those figures describe Amazon’s broader constellation program; they are not a promise that every service or coverage area will be available when the Globalstar merger closes.
When will Amazon’s Globalstar acquisition close?
The FCC decision is a major US regulatory milestone, not the closing notice. Globalstar’s merger documents describe a two-step structure under which Globalstar would become a wholly owned Amazon subsidiary. The companies expected completion in 2027.
Closing remains subject to conditions that include required regulatory approvals, the absence of legal restrictions that would block the transaction and satellite-related milestones. The SEC documents specifically refer to HIBLEO-4 replacement-satellite requirements. Globalstar’s August 2026 filing also said that outstanding approvals and other conditions remained.
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Is the 5,105-satellite application part of this approval?
No. Fierce Network reported that Amazon Leo’s separate FCC application to launch up to 5,105 low-Earth-orbit satellites for direct-to-device service was still pending after the Globalstar license-transfer decision.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe 5,105-satellite request concerns permission to deploy a future constellation. The October 27 decision concerns transfer of control over Globalstar’s existing licenses, spectrum and assets. Treating the two proceedings as one approval would overstate what the FCC authorized.
How will the deal affect Apple Emergency SOS?
Globalstar currently supports satellite features on Apple devices. Reuters reported that Apple invested about $1.5 billion in Globalstar in 2024, received roughly 20% equity and represented approximately 63% of Globalstar revenue in the prior year.
Amazon and Apple agreed that Amazon Leo would continue powering satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS. The FCC approval therefore does not announce an end to those services; their longer-term operation will depend on the merger closing and the parties’ continuing arrangements.
Will Amazon Leo compete with Starlink and AST SpaceMobile?
Amazon Leo will operate in the same broad satellite-connectivity market as Starlink and AST SpaceMobile, especially where direct-to-device, fixed broadband, mobile connectivity and emergency communications overlap. The competitive question is not just satellite count: spectrum ownership, national authorizations, mobile-network partnerships, service type and coverage are equally important.
Globalstar gives Amazon an established mobile-satellite spectrum position and operating licenses, while Amazon is building a much larger Leo constellation of its own. The FCC’s approval does not establish that Amazon Leo has matched any rival’s coverage, pricing or performance, and the pending 5,105-satellite application remains an additional regulatory step.
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What happens to Globalstar’s XCOM RAN business?
Globalstar’s XCOM RAN private-5G business is included in the acquired portfolio, but its post-close destination inside Amazon had not been finalized. XCOM RAN general manager Tamer Kadous said: “XCOM RAN is engaged in ongoing post-close integration planning discussions with Amazon; however, no final decisions have been made regarding XCOM RAN’s post-close direction.”
What should customers and industry watchers monitor next?
- The remaining US and other required regulatory approvals and any legal conditions affecting closing.
- Completion of the satellite-related milestones, including the HIBLEO-4 replacement requirement described in the merger documents.
- The FCC’s decision on Amazon Leo’s separate request for up to 5,105 direct-to-device satellites.
- How Amazon integrates Globalstar’s spectrum, ground assets, satellites and existing service relationships after closing.
- Whether Apple satellite features, SPOT services and XCOM RAN operations receive updated terms or organizational structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this called a license-transfer approval instead of a launch approval?
The FCC action changes who controls existing Globalstar authorizations and spectrum. Permission to launch or operate an additional Amazon Leo constellation is handled through separate applications, including the still-pending request for up to 5,105 satellites.
Can Amazon use Globalstar’s spectrum anywhere in the world immediately?
The spectrum is internationally harmonized for mobile-satellite service, but harmonization does not eliminate country-specific licensing, coordination or operating rules. Amazon will still need to comply with the requirements that apply in each market where it offers service.
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The approval itself announces no customer-hardware change. It transfers control of licenses, infrastructure and related businesses; equipment, plans and service terms would depend on decisions made before and after the expected 2027 closing.
Does the approval guarantee Amazon Leo service by the end of 2026?
No. Reuters reported that Amazon was preparing commercial services for the end of 2026, but the Globalstar merger was still expected to close in 2027 and several regulatory and satellite conditions remained. Those are separate timing statements, not a guaranteed launch date for every Leo product.
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