In April 2026, Amazon finds itself deep in advanced negotiations with satellite operator Globalstar, exploring the possibility of an acquisition. There's a chance that the deal could be unveiled as soon as April 14. This strategic maneuver is designed to bolster Amazon's satellite business and expedite the development of its low-Earth orbit satellite network, Amazon Leo, thereby positioning it to go head-to-head with SpaceX's Starlink.

Globalstar boasts rare spectrum resources and a well-established satellite network. Should the acquisition come to fruition, Amazon would forge an integrated capability framework that encompasses spectrum, satellites, cloud infrastructure, and consumer terminals. This holistic approach would significantly enhance Amazon's competitive edge in the satellite communications arena.

However, the deal is not without its complexities, primarily due to Apple's shareholding arrangements. Apple currently holds around 20% of Globalstar's shares and has an agreement in place to reserve 85% of its network capacity exclusively for Apple's use. This means that Amazon would need to engage in simultaneous negotiations with Apple to secure relevant rights arrangements, adding a layer of intricacy to the already challenging acquisition process.