Amazon plans direct-to-smartphone network with 5,105 satellites

Amazon has proposed a 5,105-satellite constellation to deliver direct voice, messaging, data and emergency connectivity to smartphones beyond terrestrial mobile coverage, expanding its satellite ambitions and intensifying competition in the emerging direct-to-device communications market.

Amazon has unveiled plans to build a satellite network comprising up to 5,105 low-Earth orbit satellites that would provide direct connectivity to smartphones, marking a major expansion of its space-based communications strategy. The company has submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), seeking approval to deploy the constellation, with launches expected to begin in 2028.

The proposed network is designed to offer voice calls, text messaging, mobile data and emergency communication services in regions where conventional cellular infrastructure is unavailable. By enabling smartphones to connect directly with satellites, Amazon aims to extend mobile coverage to remote and underserved locations without requiring users to rely on terrestrial networks.

The FCC has not yet responded to the company's application.

Expanding satellite ambitions

Amazon plans to work with mobile network operators worldwide to deliver the service. The initiative will leverage mobile satellite spectrum owned by Globalstar, the satellite communications provider that Amazon agreed to acquire earlier this year.

Globalstar already supports satellite-enabled emergency messaging, roadside assistance and location-sharing capabilities for millions of Apple device users when they are outside traditional mobile network coverage. By integrating these spectrum assets into its proposed constellation, Amazon is positioning itself to enter the rapidly evolving direct-to-device (D2D) communications segment.

The announcement also represents a strategic expansion for Amazon Leo, whose current focus has largely been on delivering broadband internet services through satellites. The company has deployed around 390 first-generation broadband satellites and expects to begin offering fixed broadband services across selected frequency bands later this year.

Race for satellite-to-phone connectivity

Amazon's latest proposal intensifies competition in the growing satellite-to-smartphone market, where companies are racing to provide seamless connectivity directly to consumer devices. Rivals including SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global are also developing satellite-enabled mobile communication platforms aimed at eliminating coverage gaps.

Despite increasing industry momentum, the deployment of large satellite constellations continues to face practical challenges. A shortage of rocket launch capacity has emerged as one of the key constraints slowing the rollout of next-generation satellite networks across the industry.

To strengthen its global satellite ecosystem, Amazon Leo has already entered partnerships with Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel and Australia's National Broadband Network.

The proposal comes months after FCC Chair Brendan Carr rejected Amazon's criticism of SpaceX's plans to deploy a satellite constellation of up to one million satellites. Carr had argued that Amazon should prioritise accelerating the deployment of its own satellite network rather than focusing on competitors' expansion strategies.

If approved, Amazon's proposed constellation would significantly broaden its presence in satellite communications, positioning the company as a stronger contender in the emerging market for direct-to-smartphone connectivity alongside established and emerging space technology players.