Amazon Proposes 5,000-Satellite Constellation for Direct-to-Phone Service

The expansion targets global voice and data connectivity in areas beyond terrestrial cellular coverage.

Talivio News · Global 28 July 2026, 07:57 2 min read

Amazon has submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking expedited approval for a new satellite constellation. The project aims to provide direct-to-device voice and data connectivity.

The network is designed to provide voice, messaging, data, and emergency services in regions where terrestrial cellular networks are unavailable, according to the filing. To facilitate this, the filing states that Amazon will partner with global mobile network operators and utilize Globalstar's mobile satellite spectrum, which the company says it agreed to acquire earlier this year (claim:6).

The company says the move expands Amazon's satellite ambitions beyond broadband internet, intensifying competition with providers such as SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global (claim:8). The company says the rollout of these satellites is scheduled to begin in 2028.

The initiative builds on the capabilities of Globalstar, which the company says currently provides device-to-device connectivity for millions of Apple users (claim:7). Amazon Leo also continues to develop its first-generation broadband system, which the company says currently has approximately 390 satellites in orbit.

Amazon Leo has announced partnerships with Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel, and Australia’s National Broadband Network. The company plans to begin rolling out fixed services across initial bands later this year.

Regulatory Context and Industry Hurdles

The expansion occurs amidst what industry analysts describe as a global shortage of rocket launch capacity, which remains a primary constraint for deploying next-generation satellite constellations (claim:9).

In March, FCC Chair Brendan Carr addressed Amazon's previous criticisms regarding SpaceX’s plans to launch up to one million satellites. Carr dismissed the remarks, suggesting Amazon focus on its own infrastructure.

Updates

Update — 28 July, 08:02

Amazon has formally requested that the US Federal Communications Commission deny SpaceX's recent application to launch a constellation of up to one million satellites. This challenge follows reports that SpaceX filed for this massive expansion earlier this year.

Update — 28 July, 08:20

Amazon has formally requested the FCC to deny a recent application by SpaceX to launch a constellation of up to 1 million satellites. In response to this criticism, FCC Chair Brendan Carr suggested that Amazon should prioritize the development of its own satellite efforts. Additionally, it has been reported that Amazon’s planned reliance on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket for its constellation faces further uncertainty due to the vehicle being grounded following a launch pad anomaly in May.

Update — 28 July, 08:35

Amazon has formally requested that the FCC deny a recent application from SpaceX to launch a constellation of up to one million satellites. FCC Chair Brendan Carr responded to this criticism on X, advising Amazon to focus on its own satellite deployment efforts rather than challenging competitors. Additionally, it has been reported that Amazon’s planned reliance on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket for its constellation faces uncertainty, as the vehicle remains grounded following a launch pad anomaly in May.

Update — 28 July, 09:05

Amazon has formally requested that the FCC deny a recent application by SpaceX to launch a constellation of up to one million satellites. Amid this regulatory challenge, FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly urged Amazon to prioritize its own satellite development efforts. Furthermore, reports indicate that Amazon's reliance on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket for its constellation faces uncertainty, as the vehicle remains grounded following a launch pad anomaly in May.

Sources