Amazon Files FCC Proposal to Launch 5,105-Satellite Mobile Network by 2028

Amazon has formally signaled its intent to significantly scale its space infrastructure by filing an application with the Federal Communications Commission for a new constellation comprising 5,105 satellites. This network is specifically designed for direct-to-device service, capable of handling voice, messaging, data, and emergency communications. This proposed fleet is nearly double the size of Amazon’s existing Leo broadband constellation, which currently consists of approximately 3,200 planned satellites. As of early July 2026, the company confirmed that more than 375 of these initial units have already been placed into orbit. By processing signals directly in orbit before relaying them back to ground infrastructure, Amazon claims the new constellation will offer improved performance metrics for users seeking reliable connectivity outside traditional terrestrial network coverage.

A cornerstone of this ambitious plan is the recent acquisition of Globalstar’s satellite operations, a move that provides Amazon with critical radio spectrum assets. Globalstar has historically served as a provider of emergency connectivity for Apple’s iPhone ecosystem and various Internet-of-Things devices. By integrating this spectrum, Amazon intends to extend its service capabilities and explore a collaborative path forward with Apple for future satellite-based features. Furthermore, the FCC application outlines a request to utilize additional spectrum assigned to Iridium’s satellite network for operations occurring outside the United States. This move positions Amazon to potentially capture market share in a sector where Rocket Lab is also expanding its influence through its own pending acquisition of Iridium.

Amazon’s aggressive push into satellite-to-mobile services sets the stage for a major confrontation with SpaceX, the current dominant force in the industry. SpaceX has historically leveraged its Starlink constellation to offer similar connectivity and is currently pursuing a strategy to invest roughly $20 billion in spectrum acquisitions from EchoStar to bolster its own mobile offerings. However, the market for direct-to-device satellite service faces skepticism regarding its commercial viability. High-level executives, including the CEO of T-Mobile, have pointed to remarkably low usage rates, with data suggesting that satellite connectivity accounts for less than 0.0003% of total network traffic, largely restricted to niche scenarios like national park excursions.

Beyond market challenges, Amazon faces significant logistical hurdles regarding the launch of its infrastructure. The company lacks an internal fleet of rockets, having previously relied on Blue Origin as its primary launch provider. However, the viability of this partnership has been complicated by the grounding of the New Glenn rocket following an anomaly that destroyed a launch pad earlier this year. This delay has forced Amazon to petition for extensions on the build-out deadlines mandated by its current FCC licenses. Despite these operational setbacks, financial analysts note that Amazon possesses massive capital reserves—reportedly $255 billion in assets as of late April—which provides the company with a substantial runway to continue its orbital investments, even if its primary launch partner struggles to reach flight readiness.