Amazon Plans to Launch 5,105 Satellites for a Mobile Phone Network by 2028

Amazon has applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to launch a large constellation consisting of 5,105 satellites. Scheduled to begin operations in 2028, this ambitious plan aims to provide global “Direct-to-Cell (D2C)” communication services, enabling direct connections to smartphones. According to a report by Slashdot’s BeauHD, the service will cover “voice, messaging, data, and emergency services.”

This initiative mirrors the satellite direct communication model already being pursued by SpaceX’s Starlink in partnership with T-Mobile. Amazon’s filing specifies plans to utilize spectrum owned by Globalstar, with future compatibility with Apple’s satellite services also being considered. Apple has already incorporated satellite emergency communication features into its existing iPhones and collaborates with Globalstar to provide a foundation for its D2C network.

Complementing Existing Constellations

Amazon is already advancing its low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband constellation, “Project Kuiper,” which plans to deploy approximately 3,200 satellites. As of July 2, 2026, more than “375 satellites” have already been launched. The newly proposed 5,105-satellite D2C constellation is intended to complement this broadband network.

While Project Kuiper’s broadband satellites are designed to provide fixed internet connections to households and businesses, the D2C satellites will deliver signals directly to everyday smartphones. By leveraging both constellations, Amazon aims to establish a fully integrated space communication infrastructure under its own control.

Use of Globalstar and Iridium Spectrum

The FCC filing also includes a request to use spectrum owned by Globalstar, as well as spectrum assigned to Iridium’s satellite network for operations outside the U.S. This introduces complexities in frequency coordination, particularly because Rocket Lab is currently in the process of acquiring Iridium. Once the acquisition is complete, potential competition for frequency bands may arise between Iridium’s network expansion plans and Amazon’s D2C services.

According to Advanced Television, as cited by The Verge, Amazon’s use of shared frequencies will require international coordination. Regulatory approvals from authorities in various countries will also be necessary for using spectrum outside the U.S., presenting a series of diplomatic and technical challenges that must be addressed before the anticipated 2028 service launch.

Enhanced Performance Through On-Orbit Signal

Processing

Amazon has stated that its new D2C satellites will “process signals on orbit before relaying them,” an approach designed to enhance performance. This involves routing data between satellites without relying on ground gateways, thereby reducing latency and improving throughput.

Traditional satellite communications have primarily utilized a “bent-pipe” approach, where satellites simply relay received signals to ground stations. In contrast, Amazon’s “onboard processing” method equips satellites with modems and routing capabilities, enabling more flexible network configurations. This technology is also being employed in SpaceX’s Starlink V2 satellites.

Applications in Emergency Communication and

Disaster Response

Amazon envisions the D2C service being used not only for general consumer communication but also for disaster response and emergency messaging. During disasters when terrestrial cellular networks fail, satellites could facilitate communication for confirming safety and requesting rescue.

This is similar to the satellite-based Emergency SOS feature introduced by Apple with the iPhone 14 series in 2024. Apple partnered with Globalstar to offer emergency communication via satellites. If Amazon’s D2C network is fully realized, Apple’s existing service might be able to transition to a broader bandwidth and lower-latency infrastructure.

Differentiation from Competitors and

Market Outlook

The satellite direct communication market is already crowded, with players such as SpaceX (Starlink + T-Mobile), AST SpaceMobile (in partnership with AT&T and Vodafone), and Lynk Global actively competing. AST SpaceMobile recently received FCC approval in July 2026 and has begun commercial services.

While Amazon’s plans are still in the proposal stage, the scale of its 5,105-satellite constellation is an order of magnitude larger than AST SpaceMobile’s plans, which involve only a few hundred satellites. Starlink, too, aims to deploy thousands of D2C satellites, setting the stage for intense competition between the two major LEO constellation operators in the direct communication market.

Although Project Kuiper has lagged behind SpaceX in broadband satellite launches, Amazon’s defined timeline of 2028 for its D2C services signals a strong push to catch up. Amazon is expected to leverage its cloud computing arm, AWS, for network management and capitalize on synergies with its logistics and retail divisions to differentiate itself.

Editorial Opinion

Amazon’s D2C initiative can be seen as an effort to achieve vertical integration in space communication infrastructure. By combining its Project Kuiper broadband satellites and D2C satellites into a dual-layer network, Amazon intends to provide comprehensive coverage ranging from fixed-line internet for households to mobile device connectivity, all under one corporate umbrella.

In the short term, obtaining FCC approval and coordinating spectrum usage with Iridium will be Amazon’s biggest challenges. Particularly, the reaction of Rocket Lab—following its acquisition of Iridium—to Amazon’s proposed use of Iridium’s spectrum outside the U.S. will be a key issue. If spectrum competition arises, international coordination could prolong the process significantly.

From a long-term perspective, the satellite D2C market is expected to expand to tens of billions of dollars by 2030. Amazon’s entry will likely intensify competition, driving down costs and improving service quality. However, launching over 5,000 satellites will require massive investments, and it may take time for the project to become profitable. Amazon’s advantage lies in its ability to fund its space initiatives through revenue from its cloud services, a strength that standalone space startups lack.

References

• “Amazon Trying to Launch a Global Satellite Cellphone Network In 2028”, by BeauHD — Slashdot, 2026-07-27T22:00:00.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/07/27/1936209/amazon-trying-to-launch-a-global-satellite-cellphone-network-in-2028?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed