Amazon’s trying to launch a global satellite cellphone network in 2028 - The Verge

What the report says

The Verge reports that Amazon has asked the Federal Communications Commission for permission to deploy a new low-Earth-orbit satellite network aimed at providing direct-to-device cellular connectivity worldwide. According to the filing described by The Verge, the proposed constellation would include 5,105 satellites and could begin deployment in 2028 if regulators approve it. Amazon says the service would support voice, messaging, data and emergency communications directly to phones or other devices.

The planned network would use spectrum from Globalstar, the satellite company Amazon announced earlier this year it is acquiring. The Verge reports that Amazon also intends to take over Globalstar’s existing arrangement to provide satellite connectivity for Apple devices, and Amazon said it expects to work with Apple on future services using the larger network. The article also notes that the FCC application seeks permission to use spectrum assigned to Iridium outside the United States, while Rocket Lab is in the process of acquiring Iridium.

Amazon is positioning the direct-to-device system as an addition to its broader Leo satellite platform, which is also intended to provide broadband service. The company said the satellite network could support consumer connectivity as well as emergency messaging and disaster response. The proposed direct-to-device satellites are expected to process signals in orbit before relaying them, a design Amazon says would improve performance.

The proposal would substantially expand Amazon’s satellite ambitions. The Verge notes that the new constellation would be almost twice as large as Amazon’s initial Leo broadband network of about 3,200 satellites, more than 375 of which Amazon says had launched as of July 2.