Amazon submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission requesting authorization to deploy a new satellite constellation consisting of 5,105 satellites. The company plans to begin deploying this network in 2028 and intends to provide direct-to-device satellite connectivity for voice communications, messaging, data services, and emergency response capabilities.
The initiative builds on Amazon’s existing Leo satellite broadband program and represents a significant expansion of its space-based infrastructure. The proposed constellation will be substantially larger than Amazon’s initially planned Leo constellation of approximately 3,200 satellites, more than 375 of which have already been deployed as of earlier this month. Amazon states the new network will utilize spectrum previously assigned to Globalstar, a company whose satellite operations and Apple device service agreement Amazon acquired earlier this year.
Amazon’s approach mirrors a model already established by competitors in the emerging satellite communications sector. The company intends to partner with mobile network operators to deliver the direct-to-device service, following a similar arrangement to the partnership between Starlink and T-Mobile. Additionally, Amazon indicates plans to collaborate with Apple on future satellite services leveraging the expanded network capacity.
Beyond consumer applications, Amazon identifies potential uses for the constellation in disaster response and emergency messaging scenarios. The satellites are designed to process signals in orbit before transmitting them to ground stations, a feature the company says will enhance overall network performance. The FCC application also requests authorization to use spectrum outside the United States that is assigned to Iridium’s satellite network, occurring as Rocket Lab pursues an acquisition of Iridium with expansion objectives.
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