Amazon Announces Globalstar Acquisition; Partners With Apple for Satellite Features on iPhone Apple Watch

Tuesday, Amazon said it would acquire satellite communications firm Globalstar to buy satellite Communications company. Under Amazon Leo’s program, the move will allow Amazon to expand its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation that could integrate Globalstar’ already existing infrastructure with its Project Kuiper network. A new deal with Apple also has the e-commerce giant, which means continued support for satellite features on Apple devices such as the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Amazon to Acquire Globalstar

The acquisition of Globalstar by Amazon will let e-commerce giant integrate the company’s satellite infrastructure, spectrum and expertise into its own network. Acquisition reportedly plays an important role in Direct-to-Device (D2D) services development. According to a blog post, the online retailer giant said it would allow smartphones and other devices to directly connect with satellites without using terrestrial networks.

The claim is that this will help Amazon to provide voice, text and data services beyond normal cell coverage (including remote areas). In addition, the company is seeking to bolster network stability in case of disasters like natural disaster and other land networks will fail (e.g.

Amazon Leo was created to help bridge that divide, said Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Device & Services at Amazon, who has been in the company for several years and is now operating in places beyond the reach of existing networks. Customers will be able to expect faster, more reliable service in the most places where they can take advantage of Globalstar’s proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon’S customer-obsession and innovation. , ” and.

The acquisition is likely to close in 2027, with regulatory approvals. It will launch its next-generation D2D satellite system from 2028 onwards, Amazon said, with hundreds of millions of connected devices globally supported by thousands of satellites.

Amazon and Apple Partner to Power Satellite Features

Amazon has also signed an agreement with Apple to support satellite connectivity features alongside the acquisition. The satellite services on iPhone 14 and later models are currently powered by Globalstar, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also available. It provides features such as Emergency SOS via Satellite, messaging and location sharing through Find My (and roadside support) where there is no cellular coverage.

Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing at Apple, said ‘Our groundbreaking safety service Emergency SOS via satellite has saved many lives around the world since it launched over three years ago. It is an established, long-standing collaboration between Apple and Amazon that we look forward to building on that partnership with Amazon Leo.

The e-commerce giant will still be supporting the satellite capabilities of iPhone and Apple Watch with both Globalstar’s existing satellites as well as its next Amazon Leo network. Hopefully the partnership will allow for continued access to critical satellite features for Apple customers.

It is also claimed to enable future enhancements as Amazon expands its satellite communications infrastructure in the future.