# Globalstar's FCC Approval Boosts Amazon-Starlink D2D Race

> Globalstar's FCC approval accelerates Amazon's push to dominate satellite internet with direct-to-device services.
- Title: Globalstar's FCC Approval Boosts Amazon-Starlink D2D Race
- Summary: Globalstar's FCC approval accelerates Amazon's push to dominate satellite internet with direct-to-device services. Globalstar's FCC approval enables next-gen…
- Keywords: globalstar, federal communications commission, amazon, starlink, d2d services, satellite internet, fcc approval, apple, mda space, qualcomm, finance, markets
- Source: BigGo Finance — https://finance.biggo.com/news/a21709d8-1331-4419-b4a3-b19c42a1c2ce
- Author: BigGo Finance
- Published: 2026-10-22T03:55:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: globalstar, federal communications commission, amazon, starlink, d2d services, satellite internet, fcc approval, apple, mda space, qualcomm, finance, markets
## Globalstar gets FCC approval
Globalstar received US FCC approval to operate its next-generation C-3 satellite system across the United States.
## C-3 system details
The C-3 constellation includes 48 low-Earth-orbit satellites and six spares, with launches starting in 2027.
## Amazon's acquisition plan
Amazon is pursuing a $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar to add direct-to-device services to its Amazon Leo satellite business.
## Apple partnership
Apple uses Globalstar's satellite network for Emergency SOS features on iPhone 14 and has invested up to $1.5 billion in satellite infrastructure.
## Satellite deployment timeline
Globalstar's first satellite launch is scheduled for 2027, with Amazon's acquisition expected to close in 2027.
## Competitive landscape
The market is shifting from Starlink's dominance to a dual challenge between Amazon-Globalstar and SpaceX in direct-to-device satellite services.
## Key players
Paul Jacobs, Globalstar's CEO, is the son of Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs and has secured exclusive licenses for XCOM technologies.
## Market implications
The approval creates favorable conditions for Amazon to expand its satellite services using Globalstar's infrastructure and Apple's user base.
## Key takeaway

Globalstar's FCC approval enables next-gen satellite services for smartphones, intensifying competition with Amazon's Starlink in direct-to-device satellite communications.