April 14, 2026, 12:38 p.m. ET Amazon said Tuesday it would acquire Globalstar in an $11.57 billion deal, bolstering its fledgling satellite business as it tries to catch up with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Tech companies are pouring in billions of dollars to capture the lucrative market for satellite-based connectivity, but it will be a tall order to match Starlink’s 10,000-unit-strong network. Through the deal, Amazon adds Globalstar’s two dozen satellites to its existing network of more than 200. Amazon said Tuesday it would acquire Globalstar in an $11.57 billion deal, bolstering its fledgling satellite business. Above, a rocket carrying Amazon’s Project Kuiper internet network satellites last year. REUTERS Amazon has been working to ramp up its network by deploying about 3,200 satellites in Earth’s low orbit by 2029, with roughly half required to be in place by a July regulatory deadline. It is also preparing to roll out its satellite internet services later this year. Globalstar’s satellite network is designed for reliable, low-data connections directly to mobile devices, or Direct-to-Device (D2D). The technology removes the need for devices to connect to ground-based cellular towers, making them crucial in powering emergency services and delivering connectivity in areas with limited cellular coverage. The deal will help Amazon deploy D2D from 2028, the companies said. Explore More