Apple and Amazon are teaming up to challenge Starlink’s smartphone ambitions

Amazon is acquiring Globalstar's satellite network for $11.57 billion, a move that includes its spectrum licenses and operations. This acquisition will integrate Globalstar's assets with Amazon's own planned low-Earth orbit internet constellation. As part of the agreement, Amazon will continue to provide services such as Emergency SOS, which Apple currently utilizes through Globalstar's existing infrastructure. This strategic move by Amazon, with Apple as a significant stakeholder in Globalstar, positions them to compete more directly in the burgeoning satellite-based connectivity market.

This partnership between tech giants Apple and Amazon signals a significant development in the race to offer satellite-based communication services directly to consumer devices, challenging existing players like Starlink.