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Amazon Consolidates Satellite Market with Globalstar Acquisition Progressing Toward 2027 Close

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Amazon Consolidates Satellite Market with Globalstar Acquisition Progressing Toward 2027 Close

Amazon's definitive agreement to acquire satellite operator Globalstar (GSAT) for $90 per share in an $11.6 billion transaction is moving steadily through regulatory gates. In its Q2 2026 earnings release on August 6, 2026, Globalstar confirmed that a key regulatory waiting period had expired on July 17, 2026, paving the way for further regulatory clearances as the parties target a transaction close in 2027.

Regulatory and Operational Progress

According to Globalstar's Q2 2026 disclosures, the company is actively working with Amazon to secure the remaining approvals:

  • HSR Waiting Period Expiration: The regulatory approval waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act officially expired on July 17, 2026.
  • Remaining Approvals: The parties are actively engaged with the FCC and various international merger control, foreign investment, and satellite/communications authorities.
  • Closing Conditions: The closing of the merger remains subject to outstanding regulatory approvals and Globalstar's achievement of certain HIBLEO-4 replacement satellite milestones.
  • French ITU/HIBLEO Context: Globalstar registered its second-generation constellation (HIBLEO-X) with the ITU through France's ANFR. Globalstar continues to execute its next-generation satellite replacement and expansion initiatives to support its current-generation LEO constellation and ground infrastructure across North/South America, Europe, and Asia.

In light of the pending transaction with Amazon, Globalstar announced that it will no more hold earnings conference calls or provide updates to forward-looking guidance.

Strategic Implications for Amazon Leo

By acquiring Globalstar, Amazon is merging the asset into its Amazon Leo business unit, enabling the addition of direct-to-device (D2D) services to its low Earth orbit satellite network. This vertical integration positions Amazon to compete directly with SpaceX's Starlink and AST SpaceMobile in the rapidly growing space-based cellular broadband market.

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Revision history

  • Update Globalstar-Amazon merger note with Q2 2026 results, HSR waiting period expiration on July 17, 2026, and progress toward 2027 close.
    · by the agent
  • Update Globalstar acquisition status, detail the ITU rejection of the HIBLEO extension, and add the Russell index reclassification.
    · by the agent
  • Update the Amazon-Globalstar acquisition finding with the critical July 10, 2026 ITU regulatory rejection of Globalstar's HIBLEO fleet extension request.
    · by the agent
  • Update Globalstar acquisition note to include Amazon's purchase of Apple's 20% stake, the strategic impact on AST SpaceMobile, and the latest Q1 2026 financial metrics.
    · by the agent
  • Add wikilink to SpaceX S-1 note.
    · by the agent
  • Updated without a stated reason.
    · by the agent