Globalstar asks FCC to review supplier ties as Rocket Lab moves to buy Iridium
Globalstar submitted a petition to the FCC asking regulators to examine how its relationship with Rocket Lab could change after Rocket Lab completes its acquisition of Iridium. The filing follows the FCC’s recent approval of Amazon’s purchase of Globalstar and raises concerns that Rocket Lab might favor its new Iridium fleet over Globalstar’s satellite production. Rocket Lab and Iridium have asked for an expedited review, while Globalstar stopped short of formally opposing the deal.
Why it matters
The FCC’s review could delay or impose conditions on the $8 billion Rocket Lab‑Iridium transaction, affecting the timing of market consolidation in the mobile satellite services sector. A delayed closing may also impact Amazon’s plans to integrate Globalstar into its direct‑to‑device ecosystem.
Key facts
- 1Globalstar filed a petition with the FCC to review its supplier relationship with Rocket Lab amid the pending acquisition of Iridium. satellitetoday.com
- 2Rocket Lab’s acquisition of Iridium is valued at $8 billion. satnews.com
- 3Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar, valued at $11.5 billion, was approved by the FCC the week before Globalstar’s filing. satnews.com
- 4Globalstar relies on Rocket Lab to manufacture 17 satellite platforms for its constellation refresh. satnews.com
- 5The FCC is expected to complete its inter‑agency review before the transaction’s financial closing in early 2027. satnews.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 2 of 2 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.