The FCC has approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5 billion purchase of Globalstar, the satellite company behind the iPhone’s Emergency SOS via satellite. The order, released on October 27, clears the transfer of Globalstar’s FCC licences to Amazon. For iPhone and Apple Watch owners, the network carrying their off-grid features is now set to change hands.
What the FCC approval of Amazon’s Globalstar deal covers
The approval came from the FCC’s Space Bureau, Office of Engineering and Technology and Office of International Affairs. Together they approved the assignment and transfer of control of Globalstar’s licences to Amazon under Order DA 26-1160. The FCC’s news release says the decision concludes its review of the purchase.
The approval also takes in roughly 25 MHz of Globalstar’s internationally harmonized mobile-satellite spectrum. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in the release:
By approving this deal, the FCC has empowered Amazon Leo to deliver fast, next-gen satellite broadband services, increase competition, and help communities stay connected all across the country.
Last week, the Space Bureau also granted Globalstar US market access for its next-generation C-3 system. It’s planned as 48 satellites spread across 12 orbital planes, at an altitude of 1,414 km. Once the deal closes, Amazon Leo may use that grant to build and launch the system.
The deal hasn’t closed yet
FCC approval removes one hurdle, but the purchase isn’t complete. When it was announced in April, the deal was expected to close in 2027. That timeline depended on regulatory approvals and on Globalstar hitting specific satellite deployment milestones, according to MacRumors.
This approval is also separate from Amazon’s own satellite plans. Its request to launch a 5,105-satellite direct-to-device network, which we covered in July, is still pending.
Will iPhone satellite features keep working?
According to the order, Globalstar provides satellite connectivity for certain Apple devices, such as the iPhone 14 and newer. That covers texting, contacting emergency services and sharing your location when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi signal.
Apple is Globalstar’s largest customer, accounting for about 63% of its 2025 revenue, per the order. Apple also owns a 20% stake in Globalstar. Amazon says it will acquire that stake once the transaction completes.
In April, Apple and Amazon reached a separate agreement for Amazon Leo to power the existing satellite features. Those include Emergency SOS, Messages via satellite, Find My and Roadside Assistance via satellite. Amazon said it would keep supporting iPhone and Apple Watch models that use Globalstar’s current and upcoming satellites.
The order records the applicants’ claim that they will keep service running for existing customers through the transition. Amazon also says it expects to keep serving Apple, with more features and better service. Treat those as Amazon’s promises, not FCC findings or delivered upgrades. The order’s stated condition concerns Amazon’s continued compliance with Letters of Agreement from 1999 and 2004.
Whether these features stay free is a separate question, because Apple sets those terms. For the current arrangement, see our coverage of Apple’s free satellite access extension. As of October 28, Apple hasn’t commented on the FCC approval.
Android owners have a similar setup to watch, since Google recently kept Pixel 9 Satellite SOS free for another year. Separately, the FCC votes on October 29 on freeing more spectrum for direct-to-device service, including a proposed auction of two bands.
Sources: FCC, FCC Order DA 26-1160, MacRumors
