Amazon Plans to Launch Over 5,105 Satellites for Direct-to-Device Connectivity

Amazon has asked the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to authorize the launch of up to 5,105 internet satellites as part of a system that will provide direct-to-device (D2D) communication. The company first signaled its intention to build a D2D network in April, when it announced the acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar — a deal worth approximately $11.6 billion.

D2D networks allow for the direct connection of smartphones and other devices to satellites, without the need for terrestrial cellular antennas. In the application submitted on Saturday to the FCC, Amazon stated that its D2D network will combine the company's existing infrastructure with the satellites and communication frequencies of Globalstar. According to the application, Amazon is primarily targeting users who do not receive service, or receive partial service, from existing cellular networks. Additional uses include support for emergency operations, such as search and rescue, as well as providing connectivity for work sites, vehicle fleets, and supply chains operating in remote areas that are difficult to reach via terrestrial networks.

"Amazon looks forward to realizing the promise of D2D connectivity, including for millions of people who live, travel, and work in areas outside the coverage of existing networks," the company stated.

Amazon previously announced that it expects to complete the acquisition of Globalstar during 2027 and to begin deploying the D2D network during 2028. Since April 2025, Amazon has been working to establish its satellite internet network in low Earth orbit (LEO), which is intended to compete with SpaceX's Starlink — the world's leading company in the field of low-orbit satellite internet, with more than 10,000 satellites. Amazon currently has more than 390 satellites from service providers in that orbit — a number it says is sufficient to begin providing service later in 2026.