Amazon plans to acquire Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar

Amazon has filed with the FCC to take over Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar as part of its planned acquisition of the satellite company. The filing states that a newly created subsidiary will acquire Apple’s equity and voting interests in Globalstar Licensee LLC immediately after the second step of the transaction. Amazon says the deal will support development of a next-generation global direct-to-device network for smartphones and other mobile devices. The company reaffirms that Globalstar’s existing satellite service for iPhone users will continue without disruption.