Key Highlights

• Amazon has filed with the FCC to launch a new network of 5,105 satellites designed to provide direct connectivity to mobile phones.
• The satellite network will build on Globalstar’s spectrum following Amazon’s acquisition of the company’s satellite operations.
• The move puts Amazon in direct competition with SpaceX’s growing satellite-to-mobile business.
• Amazon plans to begin satellite launches in 2028, although rocket availability remains a major challenge.

Amazon is preparing to enter the satellite-to-smartphone market with an ambitious new space network. The company has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate a constellation of 5,105 satellites that will provide direct connectivity to mobile phones. If approved, Amazon plans to begin launching the satellites in 2028, expanding its growing presence in the satellite communications industry.

The filing marks Amazon’s biggest step yet toward competing directly with SpaceX, which currently leads both satellite internet and direct-to-cell connectivity through its Starlink network.

What Is Amazon Planning With Its New Satellite Network?

Amazon’s latest FCC filing outlines plans for a dedicated satellite constellation capable of connecting directly with mobile phones. Unlike traditional satellite internet services that require specialized terminals, the proposed system is designed to support smartphone connectivity using satellite signals.

The project builds on Amazon’s recent acquisition of Globalstar’s satellite operations. Globalstar currently powers emergency satellite communication for Apple’s iPhones and supports Internet-of-Things (IoT) services. Amazon now plans to use Globalstar’s radio spectrum to expand beyond emergency communication and integrate these capabilities with its broader satellite broadband network.

The move also complements Project Kuiper, Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet initiative that aims to provide global broadband coverage.

Why Is Amazon Taking on SpaceX?

Amazon’s new filing places it in direct competition with SpaceX, which has established an early lead in satellite internet and direct-to-mobile communication. Starlink already works with telecom partners to deliver satellite messaging services in areas without cellular coverage.

SpaceX is also investing heavily in expanding its mobile satellite business. The company recently announced plans to spend billions of dollars acquiring additional wireless spectrum to strengthen its direct-to-cell services.

By entering the same market, Amazon is signaling that satellite connectivity could become an important part of future mobile communication, especially in remote locations where conventional networks are unavailable.

Will Consumers Use Satellite-to-Mobile Services?

While interest in satellite communication is growing, widespread adoption remains uncertain.

Current satellite-to-phone technology typically offers limited bandwidth. Most services today support emergency messaging, text communication, and basic connectivity rather than high-speed internet or video streaming.

Executives in the telecom industry have also suggested that consumer demand is still relatively small. Usage data from existing satellite-enabled mobile services indicates that these connections are primarily used in remote regions such as national parks or during emergencies when traditional cellular coverage is unavailable.

As satellite technology improves, however, companies expect broader use cases for travelers, emergency responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and users living in underserved regions.

What Challenges Could Slow Amazon’s Plans?

Despite its financial strength, Amazon still faces significant hurdles before launching its new constellation.

Unlike SpaceX, which owns and operates Falcon 9 rockets, Amazon does not have an in-house launch capability. The company had planned to rely heavily on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. However, recent launch delays and technical setbacks have disrupted that timeline.

As a result, Amazon has already requested additional time from the FCC to meet deployment deadlines for its satellite network.

Still, Amazon’s strong balance sheet gives it flexibility to continue investing in long-term satellite infrastructure. If the company successfully deploys its planned constellation, Amazon could emerge as one of SpaceX’s strongest rivals in the fast-growing satellite communications market. With Amazon now expanding beyond broadband into direct smartphone connectivity, competition in space-based mobile services is set to intensify.