The Federal Communications Commission has approved Amazon Leo's $11.5 billion deal to buy satellite operator Globalstar, The Verge and Engadget report. The FCC announced the approval on Tuesday, October 27.

Amazon announced the deal in April, and it is expected to close in 2027, The Verge reports. It gives Amazon Globalstar's 25 satellites and its airwaves, a boost for Amazon's satellite internet service, Amazon Leo, which has faced launch delays.

Globalstar runs the emergency satellite features on Apple's iPhones and Apple Watches. Under the deal, Leo will power satellite services for supported Apple devices. Engadget reports Apple held a 20 percent stake in Globalstar before the takeover.

The deal is meant to let Leo connect directly to phones and other devices, Engadget reports. In a press release, the FCC said the companies' assets "promise to enhance Amazon Leo's entry into the direct-to-device segment." The regulator said the deal is likely to improve data coverage in underserved areas. The FCC's release says the deal will also expand competition and strengthen emergency communications.

Leo is a rival to SpaceX's Starlink. Engadget reports Amazon recently said it has 400 satellites in orbit and aims to have more than 3,000 in low Earth orbit. SpaceX has about 11,000. Amazon recently launched Leo service in Uzbekistan and is working with Delta to bring satellite internet to flights.

What we know: The FCC has approved Amazon Leo's purchase of Globalstar, which will put Leo behind Apple's satellite features.
What we don't: When the deal will close and when Apple users will see any change.