Amazon Seeks FCC Approval for 5,105 Satellites to Challenge SpaceX Starlink With Direct-to-Cell Network

TradingKey - Amazon ( AMZN) has officially submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), planning to launch up to 5,105 internet satellites to build a direct-to-device (D2D) space network.

As early as April this year, Amazon announced its acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar for approximately $11.6 billion to secure the latter's satellite assets and spectrum licenses. The core logic of the D2D network is simple—using satellites to directly provide network connectivity to mobile phones and other devices, bypassing traditional terrestrial base stations.

As of press time, Amazon's share price turned from a gain to a loss of 0.21%, trading at $231.63.

Amazon Stock Price Chart, Source: TradingView

According to the application filings, Amazon's target users for this move are those "unserved or underserved" by existing wireless networks. In addition, it includes emergency scenarios such as search and rescue, as well as remote construction sites, fleets, and supply chains where terrestrial signals cannot reach.

It is reported that the Globalstar acquisition is expected to be completed in 2027, and the D2D network will begin deployment in 2028. Amazon currently has more than 390 satellites operating in orbit, and the company recently stated that this number is sufficient to launch "initial services" later this year.

Market analysts say that Amazon's move is a challenge to Starlink, the satellite business of commercial space leader SpaceX. Starlink currently has over 10,000 satellites in orbit, making it the leader in low Earth orbit internet. Its "Starlink Mobile" directly competes with Amazon's planned D2D service, and it currently provides direct-to-cell services in the U.S. through T-Mobile.