Amazon plans to acquire 20% of Globalstar shares held by Apple as part of its acquisition of satellite communications service Globalstar

Amazon disclosed plans to acquire Globalstar and, via a subsidiary, buy Apple’s 20% stake in the company.

The move is meant to bolster Amazon Leo’s satellite service and improve direct-to-device connectivity.

Amazon is positioning the deal to expand coverage for consumer and enterprise devices.

The acquisition could sharpen Amazon’s competition with SpaceX-led rivals in the fast-growing D2D satellite market.