Amazon eyes satellite-to-phone service with plan for 5,105 LEO satellites

Washington: No signal? Amazon wants to make that a problem of the past. The technology giant has unveiled plans for a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation capable of connecting smartphones directly to satellites, marking its entry into the fast-growing direct-to-device (D2D) communications market.

The company has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites. If cleared, the network will provide voice calls, text messaging, mobile data and emergency services in areas beyond the reach of conventional cellular networks, with satellite deployment expected to begin in 2028.

The proposed service will operate in partnership with mobile network operators around the world and use the mobile satellite spectrum of Globalstar, which Amazon agreed to acquire earlier this year.

The move significantly expands Amazon’s satellite ambitions beyond broadband internet. Its Project Kuiper network currently has around 390 first-generation satellites in orbit and is expected to begin offering fixed broadband services later this year. The new proposal adds direct smartphone connectivity to its long-term roadmap.

For consumers, satellite-to-phone technology could eliminate many traditional mobile coverage gaps. Compatible smartphones would be able to connect directly to satellites for basic communication services while travelling through remote regions, hiking, sailing or during natural disasters when terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable.

The technology is already beginning to reach consumers. Globalstar currently enables emergency SOS messaging, location sharing and roadside assistance on supported Apple iPhones when users are outside cellular coverage.

Amazon’s proposal also intensifies competition in the rapidly evolving satellite communications market. Rivals including SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global are also developing direct-to-device services aimed at extending mobile connectivity beyond traditional cell towers.

One of the biggest hurdles facing satellite operators, however, remains launch capacity. A shortage of available rocket launches has emerged as a major bottleneck for companies racing to deploy next-generation satellite constellations.

Amazon has also been building commercial partnerships for its satellite business, announcing agreements with Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel and Australia’s National Broadband Network.

The company is also eyeing India, one of the world’s fastest-growing connectivity markets. Alongside players such as SpaceX through Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon is pursuing satellite connectivity opportunities in the country. Separately, Reliance Jio is advancing its own LEO satellite plans after receiving technical clearance from IN-SPACe.

If approved by the FCC, Amazon’s latest proposal could mark the next phase of satellite communications, shifting the focus from delivering broadband to homes to putting satellite connectivity directly into consumers’ pockets.