Amazon:
Today Amazon.com, Inc. and Globalstar, Inc. announced that they
have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon
will acquire Globalstar, enabling Amazon Leo to add
direct-to-device (D2D) services to its low Earth orbit satellite
network and extend cellular coverage to customers beyond the reach
of terrestrial networks. In addition, Amazon and Apple announced
an agreement for Amazon Leo to power satellite services for iPhone
and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite. […]
Greg Joswiak, quoted in Amazon’s press release:
“Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working
together through Amazon’s core infrastructure services, and we
look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo.
This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital
satellite features they have come to rely on, including Emergency
SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, so
they can stay safe and connected while off the grid.”
The Verge’s headline catches my initial reaction: “Apple and Amazon Are Teaming Up to Challenge Starlink’s Smartphone Ambitions”. Apple owned a 20 percent stake in Globalstar, so they were more than a bystander. But I think the deal speaks to the fact that amongst the tech titans, Apple and Amazon are more allies than rivals.
