Amazon Plans 5,105 More Satellites for Direct-to-Smartphone Connectivity
Amazon is expanding its ambitions in satellite-based mobile connectivity. Its satellite communications subsidiary, Amazon LEO, has formally applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to launch 5,105 additional low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet and communication services directly to smartphones worldwide.
Direct Voice, Messaging, and Emergency Services
According to Amazon LEO, deployment of the second-generation satellite constellation is expected to begin in 2028. The primary goal is to provide voice calls, text messaging, mobile data, and emergency communication services directly to standard smartphones and other mobile devices in remote and underserved areas beyond the reach of conventional cellular towers.
Amazon currently has more than 390 broadband satellites operating in orbit and plans to launch its fixed broadband service later this year. The company has already secured partnerships with several international telecommunications providers, including Vodafone, DirecTV, HeroTel, and Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN).
Competition With SpaceX Intensifies
The satellite expansion places Amazon in direct competition with SpaceX in the rapidly growing space-based mobile connectivity market.
Earlier this year, SpaceX submitted an application to the FCC seeking authorization for a satellite network of up to one million satellites. Amazon urged the FCC to reject the proposal, arguing that the plan was unrealistic and based on speculative ambitions rather than a practical deployment strategy.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr responded by criticizing Amazon's objection, saying on social media that the company should focus on advancing its own satellite program instead of attempting to block competitors' applications.
As technology giants race to dominate the emerging direct-to-device satellite communications market, competition in space-based mobile connectivity is entering a new phase.
//DBTech/BMT/OR//
