The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Amazon said on Tuesday it would acquire Globalstar in a $11.57-(U.S.)-billion deal, bolstering its fledgling satellite business as it tries to catch up with Elon Musk's Starlink. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says 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's 10,000-unit-strong network. Through the deal, Amazon adds Globalstar's two dozen satellites to its existing network of more than 200. Amazon has been working to increase its network by deploying 3,200 satellites in Earth's low orbit by 2029, with half required to be in place by a July regulatory deadline. It is also preparing to roll out its satellite Internet services later this year. Globalstar's satellite network is designed for reliable, low-data connections directly to mobile devices, or direct-to-device (D2D). The technology removes the need for devices to connect to ground-based cellular towers, making them crucial in powering emergency services and delivering connectivity in remote areas. The deal will help Amazon deploy D2D from 2028. Starlink serves more than nine million users.