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Amazon Gets Serious About Satellite Service for Phones with Purchase of Apple's Service Provider

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Today, 11:56 AM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

Amazon is purchasing GlobalStar, the legacy satellite operator that powers the "Emergency SOS via satellite" feature of iPhones. Amazon will continue to operate GlobalStar's existing and upcoming satellites and services, and they will continue to power the satellite functions of Apple devices. These services will compliment Amazon's own "Leo" broadband data satellite constellation that it is in the middle of building. Going forward, Amazon will blend the two networks by adding D2D (Direct-to-Device) capabilities (similar to what GlobalStar offers for iPhones today, but more advanced) to its own, next-generation Leo satellites. Amazon cites GlobalStar's radio spectrum licenses and operational expertise as key enablers for adding D2D capability to Leo. First-generation Leo satellites started launching to orbit one year ago. Amazon plans to start launching next-gen Leo satellites with D2D in 2028. Leo competes with SpaceX's Starlink, which already offers D2D service for T-Mobile. Amazon Leo will not only continue to work with Apple, but will court mobile network operators "and additional partners", competing with both SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile to provide satellite service for carriers where their land-based networks don't reach.

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