Amazon Leo acquires Globalstar - Starlink gets serious competition

SpaceX’s Starlink is currently the only truly global satellite communications network widely available to private consumers. It is also the largest satellite constellation and provides high-speed internet access across most of the world — including Finland.

Amazon’s Amazon Leo is its main competitor, although it still has fewer satellites in orbit. Amazon Leo is currently expanding rapidly, with additional satellites being launched — including on upcoming Ariane 6 missions.

The network is now entering a major growth phase following Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar. The deal brings not only additional spectrum and satellite assets, but also direct-to-device capabilities, enabling satellite connectivity straight to mobile phones.

At the same time, Amazon announced a partnership with Apple, which will allow devices such as the iPhone and even the Apple Watch to connect to the Amazon Leo network. Already today, certain iPhone models can send short messages via satellite using Globalstar’s network, indicated by a small satellite icon when no cellular signal is available.

Satellite connectivity is advancing faster than expected, and mobile devices will increasingly be able to connect via satellites instead of relying solely on terrestrial mobile operators.