Wire · operational-macro
Amazon wins FCC nod to buy Globalstar, ignites satellite phone race with SpaceX
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Fusion42 · 28 October 2026 · Fusion42 review
Amazon won FCC approval to acquire Globalstar, gaining access to its 24 satellites and mobile satellite spectrum to enter the direct-to-device (D2D) satellite smartphone market, competing directly with SpaceX's Starlink. Amazon plans to commercialise satellite communication services soon and aims to deploy over 3,200 LEO satellites by 2029, expanding connectivity especially in remote areas without ground stations.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Telecom & Connectivity, and 7 sources have reported it between 27 Oct 2026 and 28 Oct 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
Amazon has forcefully entered the satellite smartphone race, forcing you to rethink your connectivity strategy if you use remote or hard-to-reach customers. Your window to partner with device makers or carriers to secure market share is now, before Amazon and SpaceX dominate.
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7 sources · first reported 27 Oct 2026 · latest 28 Oct 2026
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