US Opens Path for Amazon's Direct-to-Device Internet
The Federal Communications Commission approved Amazon's plan to acquire Globalstar for approximately $11.5 billion, paving the way for direct internet to iPhones and Apple Watches.
The US Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon's plan to acquire US satellite operator Globalstar for approximately $11.5 billion, removing a major regulatory hurdle to Amazon's entry into the direct-to-device communications market.
The deal includes a long-term agreement with Apple to use Amazon's LEO satellites to support iPhone and Apple Watch services, including emergency texting, messaging, and roadside assistance, according to SpaceNews.
Globalstar had been providing Apple with satellite emergency connectivity services, and Apple held a 20% stake in the company prior to the deal. Amazon recently announced that it has 400 satellites in orbit.
The approval marks an important step for Amazon in the direct communications market, allowing devices to connect to satellites without needing a ground station or an external dish. It remains unclear when the deal will close or what the final terms of implementation will be.
What do these terms mean?
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The US agency that regulates communications and approves deals involving satellite companies and frequencies used in space.
Direct-to-Device Communications (D2D): Connecting a phone or watch directly to a satellite without a ground station, enabling communication in areas outside traditional network coverage.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO): An orbit close to Earth, typically ranging in altitude between hundreds and thousands of kilometers, used by internet satellites because it offers lower latency.
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