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Amazon’s trying to launch a global satellite cellphone network in 2028
Amazon has filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission to launch a new low Earth orbit (Leo) satellite constellation offering direct-to-device connectivity for voice, messaging, data and emergency services. If approved, the company would begin deploying the network, comprising more than 5,000 satellites, from 2028, mirroring the direct-to-cell approach already taken by Starlink through its partnership with T-Mobile.
The proposed constellation of 5,105 satellites would run on spectrum from Globalstar, whose satellite network Amazon agreed to acquire earlier this year, including its role providing direct-to-device services for Apple devices; Amazon has said it intends to keep working with Apple on satellite services using the expanded network. The filing reportedly also seeks rights to spectrum used by Iridium outside the US, even as Rocket Lab moves to acquire that company. The new network would nearly double the size of Amazon's existing Leo broadband constellation, which is planned to reach around 3,200 satellites and had launched over 375 as of 2 July, with the direct-to-device service intended to complement that broadband offering and support uses such as disaster response.
In short
- Amazon has filed with the FCC to launch a 5,105-satellite direct-to-device network.
- Deployment is planned to start in 2028, using Globalstar's spectrum.
- It would nearly double Amazon's existing ~3,200-satellite Leo broadband constellation.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
This constellation would extend vital connectivity to remote populations currently unable to access broadband, and the direct-to-device functionality offers critical redundancy for emergency services and disaster response. By acquiring existing spectrum assets rather than seeking new allocations, Amazon supports competitive market dynamics that have already driven innovation in satellite internet, whilst the company's extensive experience with its existing low Earth orbit broadband network demonstrates operational capability to manage such infrastructure responsibly.
The case against
Adding over 5,000 satellites to Earth's orbit raises serious concerns about space debris accumulation and the long-term sustainability of orbital operations, risks that grow exponentially as multiple companies launch competing constellations. This approach duplicates existing and planned networks when resources might be more efficiently deployed extending terrestrial infrastructure in underserved regions, and the concentration of such critical global communications infrastructure within a handful of technology companies raises legitimate questions about democratic access, control, and whether market competition alone adequately addresses environmental and orbital safety concerns.
Explained simply
Amazon wants to build a global satellite network that can send signals directly to mobile phones, without needing traditional ground-based towers. The company has applied to the US Federal Communications Commission to launch over 5,000 satellites orbiting the Earth at relatively low heights, providing voice calls, text messages, data and emergency services worldwide. This would allow people in remote areas or affected by disasters to stay connected even when standard mobile networks are unavailable or destroyed.
The satellites would use radio frequencies that Amazon acquired from Globalstar, a smaller satellite operator that currently provides this service for Apple devices. Amazon plans to continue supporting Apple on the expanded network. SpaceX's Starlink already offers direct-to-device services through T-Mobile, and Amazon would be another satellite company providing this capability.
This constellation would nearly double the size of Amazon's existing satellite project, which is designed to provide broadband internet. By combining broadband with direct mobile phone connectivity, Amazon would create a comprehensive service that functions when conventional networks fail. Such capabilities would support emergency response and serve communities currently lacking adequate mobile coverage.