Amazon’s new satellite network for mobile phones could turn up the heat on SpaceX - TechCrunch

What the report says

TechCrunch reported that Amazon has asked the Federal Communications Commission for approval to operate a 5,105-satellite network aimed at delivering connectivity directly to mobile phones. The company’s application says launches would begin in 2028, expanding Amazon’s satellite ambitions beyond its existing broadband internet constellation, Leo.

According to the report, the proposal follows Amazon’s acquisition several months earlier of Globalstar’s satellite operations. Globalstar has supported emergency connectivity for Apple iPhones and Internet-of-Things devices, and Amazon’s filing indicates it wants to use Globalstar’s radio spectrum to broaden those services and connect them with Leo. The plan would place Amazon more directly against SpaceX, which TechCrunch described as a leader in both satellite broadband and satellite-to-phone services.

The article notes that SpaceX is also investing heavily in the sector, including a planned $20 billion spectrum purchase from EchoStar to support its mobile constellation. However, the commercial upside remains uncertain: current satellite-to-phone offerings generally have limited bandwidth and are often best suited for texts or emergency use. TechCrunch cited T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan, whose company uses SpaceX satellites, saying this spring that customer usage was extremely small and concentrated in places such as national parks.

Amazon also faces a launch-capacity hurdle because it does not operate its own rockets. TechCrunch reported that Amazon had expected to rely on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, but delays and a launch-pad-damaging anomaly have complicated that timeline, prompting Amazon to seek an FCC deadline extension. Still, the report said Amazon’s large cash position could allow it to continue funding the buildout even as it trails SpaceX.