Summary
On October 27, 2026 (local time), the U.S. Federal Communications Commission reportedly approved Amazon Leo's acquisition of about 25 MHz of MSS spectrum from Globalstar, completing regulatory review of the roughly $11.5 billion deal.
Event Overview
- Date: Per Communications World, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the deal on October 27, 2026 local time.
- Parties: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Amazon Leo, and Globalstar.
- Event: Per Communications World, the FCC approved Amazon Leo's acquisition of about 25 MHz of mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum from Globalstar, completing regulatory review of the $11.5 billion transaction; the approval also allows Amazon, after the deal closes, to build and launch satellites using the previously authorized Globalstar C-3 system.
Key Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approving agency | U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) |
| Approval date | October 27, 2026 local time |
| Transaction | Amazon Leo's purchase of about 25 MHz of MSS spectrum from Globalstar |
| Total deal value | About $11.5 billion |
| Accompanying authorization | After closing, Amazon may build and launch satellites using the Globalstar C-3 system |
| Deal announcement date | April 14, 2026 |
| Consideration | $90 per share in cash or equivalent stock |
| Expected completion | 2027 |
Background and Impact
- Origins of the deal: Per Securities Times, the transaction was first announced on April 14, 2026, with Amazon acquiring Globalstar at $90 per share in cash or equivalent stock; the deal was valued at about $11.57 billion and is expected to close in 2027.
- Strategic significance: Per Communications World, 25 MHz of MSS spectrum is a scarce resource tied to emerging scenarios such as direct-to-cell satellite services, emergency communications, and IoT; the deal is seen as a key reinforcement for Amazon Leo in catching up to SpaceX's Starlink.