Amazon seeks FCC approval for 5,000-satellite fleet in global direct-to-device push

Amazon will deploy more than 5,000 satellites into orbit to provide global data and telephony services as competition in the commercial space sector intensifies.

The planned satellite constellation marks a significant expansion from the Jeff Bezos-owned company’s current fleet of 390 satellites presently in orbit.

Amazon has submitted an application to federal regulatory authorities seeking approval to launch up to 5,105 internet satellites as part of a constellation designed to deliver direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

The company first announced its plans to establish a D2D network in April, alongside an agreement to acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a deal valued at approximately $11.6 billion.

Direct-to-device networks provide cellular connectivity directly to smartphones and other hardware via satellites, bypassing conventional terrestrial cell towers.

In its filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Amazon stated that its D2D network will combine its existing infrastructure with Globalstar’s satellites and wireless spectrum.

According to the regulatory filing, Amazon is targeting users who are currently “unserved or underserved” by existing wireless communications providers.

Other intended applications include supporting emergency operations such as search and rescue, as well as expanding connectivity options for remote construction sites, vehicle fleets, and supply chains operating in areas where terrestrial networks are difficult to deploy.

“Amazon looks forward to delivering on the promise of direct-to-device connectivity, including to the millions of people who live, travel, and work in places beyond the reach of today’s networks,” the company wrote in the filing.

Amazon previously stated that it expects the Globalstar acquisition to close in 2027, with deployment of the D2D network scheduled to begin in 2028.

Since last April, the company has been working to construct its Leo space-based internet network, which aims to compete directly with Starlink, the dominant provider in low-Earth orbit internet services.

However, Amazon’s planned constellation remains considerably smaller than that of Starlink, which holds a dominant position in the mobile satellite market with approximately 11,000 satellites.

Musk also maintains what analysts consider a virtual monopoly in the launch market through SpaceX, which is reportedly planning to introduce a mobile service tailored for US consumers.

The two billionaires are also competing to design NASA’s next lunar landing vehicle, with respective models from Blue Origin and SpaceX set to begin testing next year.

Last month, the FCC granted Amazon a regulatory reprieve by approving its request for a waiver from the requirement to deploy 1,600 first-generation satellites by July 30.

However, Amazon remains obligated to deploy its full planned constellation of 3,232 satellites by July 2029.

Amazon’s D2D network will compete directly with SpaceX’s new Starlink Mobile service. SpaceX acquired wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar to support its network and currently offers direct-to-cell service in the US through T-Mobile.