Amazon Leo Gets FCC Approval for Globalstar Deal and Harmonized MSS Spectrum

Amazon Leo has received Federal Communications Commission approval as part of its $11.57 billion acquisition of Globalstar, which includes about 25 megahertz of internationally harmonized mobile-satellite spectrum. The deal, announced in April, is intended to let Amazon Leo add direct-to-device services to its low Earth orbit satellite network and extend cellular coverage beyond terrestrial networks. Amazon also agreed with Apple to power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite.

FCC says transaction benefits public

The FCC said the transaction is likely to benefit the public by enhancing data coverage in unserved or underserved areas, strengthening emergency communications capabilities and promoting more intensive use of mobile-satellite service spectrum. An Amazon spokesperson said the company appreciates the FCC's thorough review and approval of the transfer of control of Globalstar's licenses, adding that it brings Amazon a step closer to bringing new connectivity capabilities to customers. The spokesperson did not say when the transaction is expected to close. Globalstar general counsel and vice president of Regulatory Affairs L. Barbee Ponder said the company appreciates the FCC moving quickly and efficiently to approve the transfer of Globalstar's domestic licenses as part of its merger with Amazon.

C-3 system and wider D2D push

The FCC's approval follows its grant last week of Globalstar's request for U.S. market access for its non-geostationary C-3 system. The C-3 system is authorized to serve the U.S. as part of a global network of 48 satellites arranged in 12 orbital planes, with four satellites per plane. Amazon Leo also filed an application in July to launch a constellation of up to 5,105 LEO satellites for D2D, which remains pending. The FCC said it is taking aggressive actions across multiple fronts to ensure America's leadership in direct-to-device, noting earlier grants for a SpaceX 15,000-satellite D2D constellation and AST SpaceMobile's 248-satellite system. At its Thursday meeting, the FCC will vote on two items that bring more spectrum to D2D: one proposes an auction of the 1675-95 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands, and the other seeks to open up about 500 megahertz of additional wireless spectrum that can be used for D2D services.

XCOM RAN future remains unclear

The acquisition also includes Globalstar's XCOM RAN, a private 5G solution that came to Globalstar when CEO Paul Jacobs took the helm. Tamer Kadous, general manager of the XCOM RAN business unit at Globalstar, said XCOM RAN is engaged in ongoing post-close integration planning discussions with Amazon, but no final decisions have been made regarding its post-close direction. Analysts have said XCOM could help Amazon Web Services revive its private cellular offering, which was discontinued in 2025, or be useful in Amazon's own warehouses and fulfillment centers. Amazon has said it plans to work with mobile network operators and additional partners, while SpaceX says it is building its own terrestrial network to compete with U.S. mobile carriers.

Sources: Fierce Network · Reuters · Advanced Television