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.