Amazon buys Globalstar satellite constellation
As part of an effort by Amazon to make its Leo internet constellation more competitive with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, the company has just completed a deal for about $11 billion to acquire the Globalstar satellite constellation, which includes Globalstar’s partnership with Apple and its Iphones.
The Seattle-based company’s agreement to acquire the satellite operator behind Apple’s iPhone Emergency SOS feature promises to give it a new constellation of operating satellites, a key slice of mobile spectrum, and Apple as a flagship partner.
…Under a separate long-term agreement announced along with the deal, Amazon Leo will power satellite features on future iPhone and Apple Watch models, including Emergency SOS, messaging, Find My location sharing, and roadside assistance. Amazon will also continue supporting the Apple devices that already rely on Globalstar’s existing network.
In other words, Amazon’s Leo internet constellation is now primed to also provide extensive cell phone service, service that at the moment appears superior to the cell service that Starlink can offer.
Or not. Amazon is playing catch-up, with Starlink operational and owning the market with millions of signed-up customers. It needs to offer a superior product to convince people to eithe buy it or switch to it. This deal is part of that effort.
As part of an effort by Amazon to make its Leo internet constellation more competitive with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, the company has just completed a deal for about $11 billion to acquire the Globalstar satellite constellation, which includes Globalstar’s partnership with Apple and its Iphones.
The Seattle-based company’s agreement to acquire the satellite operator behind Apple’s iPhone Emergency SOS feature promises to give it a new constellation of operating satellites, a key slice of mobile spectrum, and Apple as a flagship partner.
…Under a separate long-term agreement announced along with the deal, Amazon Leo will power satellite features on future iPhone and Apple Watch models, including Emergency SOS, messaging, Find My location sharing, and roadside assistance. Amazon will also continue supporting the Apple devices that already rely on Globalstar’s existing network.
In other words, Amazon’s Leo internet constellation is now primed to also provide extensive cell phone service, service that at the moment appears superior to the cell service that Starlink can offer.
Or not. Amazon is playing catch-up, with Starlink operational and owning the market with millions of signed-up customers. It needs to offer a superior product to convince people to eithe buy it or switch to it. This deal is part of that effort.