Amazon's delayed satellite business signs $11.6bn acquisition
Amazon Leo will take on Globalstar's satellite constellation and direct-to-device business.
Amazon is taking an $11.57 billion shortcut in its race to build a genuine Starlink competitor, buying satellite telco company Globalstar and take over its partnership with Apple.
The deal will see its satellite internet business Amazon Leo acquire Globalstar’s network of 24 satellites, and its direct-to-device (D2D) business, which bypasses traditional terrestrial cellular networks to provide connectivity in remote areas.
Amazon has plans to send around 7,700 satellites to low earth orbit, with 241 already deployed.