To Compete with Starlink, Amazon Seeks Apple's Help

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Amazon is increasingly serious about developing its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based internet business project, which will compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The latest development is the company’s announcement of a partnership with Globalstar and Apple for satellite development.

Amazon has stated it will acquire Globalstar in a deal valued at US$11.57 billion. The company will gain rights to Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure, and assets, including several spectrum licences with global authorisation.

The agreement also includes Globalstar’s new satellites and fleet to operate jointly within Amazon’s network, cited from CNBC International, Wednesday (15/4/2026).

This acquisition, Amazon explains, is to build a satellite system to its own devices. This system is likely to begin launching in 2028.

In addition to Globalstar, Amazon is also partnering with Apple. The agreement is for the company to provide satellite connectivity for iPhone and Apple Watch features.

Apple is known to hold 20% shares in Globalstar since 2024. This is done to enhance the company’s satellite constellation and infrastructure.

Globalstar also supports Apple’s emergency SOS feature. This feature allows devices to send text messages in areas with difficult telecommunications signals.

Amazon began taking satellite internet seriously with high speeds and low latency about six years ago. Its service offers connectivity via a square-shaped terminal.

More than 240 satellites have been launched. Amazon collaborates with United Launch Alliance and SpaceX to handle the satellite launches.

In terms of numbers, Amazon is still far behind Starlink. SpaceX’s service has launched more than 10,000 satellites with over 9 million users.