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Amazon said Tuesday it would acquire Globalstar\u00a0in an $11.57 billion deal, bolstering its fledgling satellite business<\/a> as it tries to catch up with Elon\u00a0Musk\u2019s Starlink<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tech companies are pouring in billions of dollars to capture the lucrative market for satellite-based connectivity, but it will be a tall order to match Starlink\u2019s 10,000-unit-strong network. <\/p>\n Through the deal, Amazon adds Globalstar\u2019s two dozen satellites to its existing network of more than 200.<\/p>\n Amazon has been working to ramp up its network by deploying about 3,200 satellites in Earth\u2019s low orbit by 2029, with roughly half required to be in place by a July regulatory deadline. <\/p>\n It\u00a0is also\u00a0preparing to roll out its satellite internet services later this year.<\/p>\n Globalstar\u2019s\u00a0satellite network is\u00a0designed for reliable, low-data connections directly to mobile devices, or\u00a0Direct-to-Device (D2D). <\/p>\n The technology removes\u00a0the need for devices to connect to ground-based cellular towers, making them crucial in powering emergency services and delivering connectivity in areas with limited cellular coverage.<\/p>\n The deal will\u00a0help Amazon deploy D2D\u00a0from\u00a02028, the companies said.<\/p>\n