Amazon plans to deploy 5,000 satellites into orbit to compete with Starlink

Amazon has asked the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to approve the launch of up to 5,105 internet satellites to deploy a constellation that will provide direct connectivity to devices. The company first outlined its plans to create a D2D (direct-to-device) network in April, when it announced the acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar for approximately $11.6 billion. D2D networks provide direct connectivity to smartphones or other devices via satellites instead of traditional cell towers.

In its filing with the FCC, Amazon stated that its D2D network will combine the company’s existing infrastructure with Globalstar’s satellites and spectrum. Amazon is targeting users who are “unserved or underserved” by existing wireless carriers, according to the filing. Other potential applications include supporting emergency operations, such as search and rescue missions, as well as extending connectivity to remote work sites, vehicle fleets, and supply chains that are difficult for terrestrial networks to reach.

"Amazon hopes to realize the potential of D2D connectivity, including for the millions of people who live, travel, and work in areas not currently covered by existing networks," Amazon's application states.

This application marks Amazon’s first foray into the satellite mobile communications sector, which is currently dominated by SpaceX’s Starlink service, which has more than 10,000 active satellites, according to the Financial Times. Elon Musk’s group has formed partnerships with existing operators, including T-Mobile US and the UK’s Virgin Media O2, to provide connectivity to customers in areas where conventional networks do not work. Starlink operates in more than 150 countries, offering high-speed internet via its satellite constellation. Last month, the FT reported that Starlink might go even further and launch a mobile service directly to consumers in the U.S. Such a move could shake up the country’s multibillion-dollar cellular market. Other players in this segment include AST SpaceMobile, which partners with Vodafone, the FT reports.

Amazon currently has 390 satellites in orbit. In June, the FCC extended the deadline by which Amazon was required to launch approximately 1,600 satellites by the end of this month.

SpaceX shares fell 1.4% to $113.5 during Monday's trading session. During the day, they dropped to a low of $108.66. Shares of the internet giant and cloud service provider Amazon fell 0.3% on July 27 to $231.4.

This article was AI-translated and verified by a human editor