Amazon’s $9 Billion Bid for Globalstar Sparks Satellite Race with Apple Implications
Amazon is in advanced talks to acquire satellite operator Globalstar for $9 billion, a move that would significantly accelerate its space infrastructure ambitions. Globalstar's stock surged 15% on the news, adding to a 100% yearly gain, with after-hours trading pushing shares up another 24%.
The potential acquisition creates unprecedented complexity in the tech sector. Apple owns a 20% stake in Globalstar worth $1.1 billion and has exclusive rights to 85% of the company's satellite capacity for its Emergency SOS feature. This critical infrastructure serves iPhone 14 and newer devices when cellular networks fail.
Amazon's Project Kuiper (now Amazon Leo) needs Globalstar's assets to compete in the satellite internet race. The deal would force two arch-rivals into uncharted territory - sharing essential emergency communication infrastructure while competing in consumer technology.