Amazon-Globalstar M&A: Orbital Connectivity Expansion (heise.de)

• Strategic acquisition of global S-band spectrum rights.
• Acceleration of Kuiper's direct-to-device capabilities.
• Diminished strategic autonomy for non-US telecommunications actors.

"Amazon is in negotiations to acquire satellite operator Globalstar, aiming to bolster Project Kuiper in its race against SpaceX's Starlink. The move is strategically focused on securing Globalstar's S-band spectrum assets, essential for direct-to-cell satellite services. This consolidation underscores the growing dominance of US private capital over orbital infrastructure, posing significant challenges to European digital sovereignty and the viability of sovereign constellations like IRIS²."