The US Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon Leo’s $11.5bn purchase of Globalstar. Globalstar runs the satellite service behind Apple’s iPhone emergency features. On Tuesday, 27 October, the FCC’s Space Bureau cleared the transfer of about 25 megahertz of Globalstar’s mobile-satellite spectrum. The regulator announced it in a press release . That approval ends the FCC’s review of the deal.

Amazon agreed to buy Globalstar in April. The deal gives Amazon Leo Globalstar’s two dozen satellites and its spectrum, as David Shepardson reported for Reuters .

“By approving this deal, the FCC has empowered Amazon Leo to deliver fast, next-gen satellite broadband services, increase competition, and help communities stay connected all across the country,” said FCC Chair Brendan Carr.

Satellites that talk to phones

The spectrum is the core of the deal for Amazon’s direct-to-device plans. Direct-to-device service lets phones and other gadgets connect straight to satellites, without a mobile mast.…