Amazon has decided to enter the satellite mobile communications market and has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a new satellite constellation. The company aims to eventually enable direct connectivity between standard smartphones and IoT devices and its satellites, eliminating the need for specialized terminals or additional hardware.
According to the filing, Amazon plans to launch 5,105 satellites into low Earth orbit. These satellites will operate in the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, utilizing spectrum resources from Globalstar—a company Amazon previously agreed to acquire for $11 billion. The deal is expected to close in 2027.
This new Direct-to-Device (D2D) system will allow smartphones to communicate directly with satellites in areas lacking cellular network coverage. In addition to voice calls and mobile internet, the service is designed to support messaging, emergency calls, and connectivity for vehicles and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The satellites will be deployed at altitudes ranging from 510 to 580 kilometers. While the FCC filings provide for slots accommodating over 11,000 spacecraft, Amazon intends to limit the initial phase to the launch of just over 5,000 satellites.
Ka- and V-bands will be used for data exchange with gateway stations and for managing the satellite constellation. Each satellite is designed for an operational lifespan of six to eight years. Upon decommissioning, the satellites will be moved to an orbit at an altitude of approximately 360 kilometers; from there, the company estimates they will naturally re-enter the atmosphere and burn up within about two months.
The new satellite network will become part of Amazon’s broader ecosystem. It will operate in conjunction with Globalstar’s existing and future satellites, as well as with Project Kuiper—the broadband system Amazon is already deploying to provide satellite internet services. Ultimately, the company plans to integrate all its space projects into a unified infrastructure capable of providing global connectivity—ranging from home internet to direct smartphone connections from virtually anywhere on the planet. Amazon has not yet disclosed exactly when the service will become available to users.
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