Amazon has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission seeking approval to launch and operate a constellation of 5,105 satellites that would allow mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing cell towers. The proposal, reported by CBS News, CNBC, and TechCrunch, marks Amazon's entry into the direct-to-device satellite market, a sector that SpaceX and others have recently pursued.
Unlike Amazon's earlier Project Kuiper, which requires a ground terminal to receive internet signals, this new network would enable regular smartphones to communicate with satellites using standard cellular spectrum. The company says the service would extend coverage to remote and rural areas where cell towers do not reach, as well as improve emergency communications during natural disasters.
The application specifies that Amazon plans to operate the satellites in low Earth orbit, roughly 500 to 600 kilometers above the globe. The company would need to coordinate spectrum use with existing licensees and ensure the system does not cause harmful interference. The FCC has not yet set a timeline for its review, but similar applications from other firms have taken years.
If approved, Amazon would compete directly with SpaceX, which has already launched thousands of Starlink satellites and partnered with T-Mobile for a direct-to-phone service set to begin soon. Other players like AST SpaceMobile are also testing similar technology. The entry of Amazon, with its deep resources and logistics expertise, could accelerate deployment and lower costs.
However, the plan raises questions about space traffic management. With tens of thousands of satellites already planned or in orbit, regulators and astronomers have warned about collision risks and light pollution. Amazon has said it will design its satellites to be maneuverable and will follow best practices for debris mitigation.
The proposal is still in early stages. The FCC's decision, along with international coordination, will determine whether Amazon can begin launches within the next few years. For consumers, the promise of seamless satellite connectivity on their mobile phones is getting closer.