Amazon has asked the Federal Communications Commission to approve up to 5,105 internet satellites for a network that reaches smartphones without cell towers. The plan leans on satellites and spectrum from Globalstar, the operator Amazon agreed in April to buy for about $11.6 billion. Deployment is set to begin in 2028.
Amazon has asked federal regulators to approve a request to launch up to 5,105 internet satellites as part of a constellation that will provide direct-to-device connectivity. In a Saturday application with the Federal Communications Commission, the company said the network would combine its existing infrastructure with Globalstar's satellites and spectrum.
Globalstar supplies the spectrum
The company first telegraphed the plan in April, when it announced it would acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a deal worth about $11.6 billion. D2D networks provide connectivity straight to smartphones or other devices via satellites in place of traditional cell towers.
Amazon expects the Globalstar deal to close in 2027, with deployment of the D2D network beginning in 2028. The filing targets users the company describes as unserved or underserved by existing wireless providers, and lists other uses including emergency operations such as search and rescue, plus connectivity for worksites, fleets and supply chains that are remote or harder for terrestrial networks to reach. The company wrote in the application that it looks forward to reaching "millions of people living, traveling and working in places beyond the reach of existing networks".
Leo trails Starlink in orbit
Behind the filing sits Leo, Amazon's internet-from-space network, which the company has been building since last April to compete with SpaceX's Starlink, the dominant low earth orbit internet provider with a constellation of more than 10,000 satellites. By comparison, Amazon now has more than 390 satellites in orbit, which it recently said is enough to begin initial service later this year.
Regulators eased one deadline last month. The FCC granted Amazon's request to waive a requirement to deploy 1,600 of its first-generation satellites by July 30, though the company is still required to launch all 3,232 of its planned satellite constellation by July 2029.
The D2D service will meet Starlink Mobile
Once deployed, Amazon's D2D network will compete with SpaceX's fledgling service, Starlink Mobile. SpaceX has acquired wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar to support its network, and it offers direct-to-cell service via T-Mobile in the U.S.
Sources: Federal Communications Commission, CNBC
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