Amazon Plans to Roll Out Global Satellite Cellphone Network by 2028

Amazon has submitted an application to the FCC to kick off a new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation aimed at delivering direct-to-device satellite services for voice, messaging, data, and emergency communications. If the application gets the green light, the company plans to roll out a fleet of 5,105 satellites starting in 2028. The strategy includes teaming up with mobile network operators to provide services akin to the collaboration between Starlink and T-Mobile.

Earlier this year, Amazon revealed its acquisition of Globalstar’s satellite network, which includes taking over its agreement to deliver direct-to-device services for Apple devices. The company has stated that its new constellation will utilize Globalstar’s spectrum and intends to work alongside Apple on future satellite services leveraging the expanded network. Additionally, the FCC application seeks permission to use spectrum allocated to Iridium’s satellite network outside the U.S., even as Rocket Lab is in the process of acquiring Iridium with plans for expansion.

This new constellation and its direct-to-device capabilities are designed to complement Amazon’s broadband offerings through its LEO platform. Beyond consumer satellite services, the system will also play a role in disaster response and emergency messaging.

Amazon claims that the direct-to-device satellites will process signals in orbit before relaying them, enhancing overall performance. This new constellation will be nearly twice the size of Amazon’s initial LEO plan, which is set to include around 3,200 satellites. As of early July, Amazon reported that over 375 of these satellites have already been launched.