Amazon is expanding in a big way to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter that the e-retail giant is in talks to buy satellite telecom group Globalstar as it ramps up efforts to build its own low-earth-orbit satellite business to rival SpaceX’s Starlink.
As per Reuters, Globalstar’s shares, which have more than doubled in market value over the past year, surged 12.3% in premarket trading on Thursday. Amazon shares fell nearly 2%.
Amazon’s reported interest in acquiring Globalstar underscores the strategic importance of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks in the rapidly evolving global communications market. As companies increasingly seek to expand broadband coverage to remote and underserved regions, ownership of established satellite infrastructure can accelerate market entry and reduce the time and cost of deploying a fully operational LEO network.
For Amazon, this move represents an effort to strengthen its position in a market dominated by SpaceX’s Starlink and signals its intent to compete more aggressively in the satellite broadband space.
READ: Amazon and Delta Air Lines to provide in-flight Wi-Fi by 2028 (March 31, 2026)
What is Globalstar?
Globalstar, Inc. is a U.S.-based satellite telecommunications company that operates a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver voice, data, and connectivity services globally. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, Globalstar provides satellite phone service, low-speed data transmission, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to consumer, industrial, government, and enterprise customers in more than 120 countries. Its network uses licensed mid-band spectrum (Band 53 and n53) combined with ground infrastructure to support reliable satellite and terrestrial connectivity.
Globalstar serves a wide range of applications, including satellite voice communication, GPS tracking, asset monitoring, emergency messaging, and IoT connectivity for industries such as energy, transportation, public safety, and remote field operations where terrestrial networks are unavailable. The company also offers satellite-enabled devices like SPOT GPS messengers that allow personal tracking, SOS alerts, and messaging in remote locations.
In 2025, Globalstar reported strong revenue growth and expansion of its two-way IoT capabilities and next-generation connectivity modules, reflecting increasing adoption of satellite-based communication solutions. It is also progressing infrastructure initiatives to support future satellite deployments and expanded commercial services.
Globalstar’s LEO constellation and licensed spectrum position it as a resilient alternative to traditional cellular networks, enabling communications in areas without terrestrial coverage and supporting critical operations worldwide.
READ: Microsoft and Starlink partner to improve internet connectivity around the world (February 25, 2026)
The potential acquisition highlights a broader trend in which major technology firms leverage mergers and acquisitions to secure critical infrastructure and spectrum rights, rather than relying solely on building from scratch. This strategy can provide immediate access to tested systems, operational expertise, and an existing customer base, which may prove decisive in capturing market share.
For Starlink, Amazon’s entry with Globalstar could intensify competitive pressures, particularly as LEO satellite services become a mainstream solution for global connectivity. Increased competition may accelerate technological innovation, drive improvements in service quality, and potentially reduce costs for consumers, while also raising the stakes for regulatory oversight and spectrum management.
The outcome of Amazon’s talks to acquire Globalstar remains uncertain, and the deal could still fail or change significantly. The broader implications for market positioning, service rollout, and global connectivity will depend on how these negotiations proceed and regulatory approvals are obtained.