Amazon
The filing follows Amazon's announcement in April that it would acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a deal valued at approximately $11.6 billion. Pixabay

Amazon has asked U.S. regulators for permission to deploy more than 5,000 additional satellites as it expands its space-based communications ambitions, marking the company's latest step toward offering direct-to-device mobile connectivity without relying on traditional cell towers.

The company filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to launch up to 5,105 satellites for a direct-to-device (D2D) network, CNBC reported. The proposed system would combine Amazon's existing Project Kuiper infrastructure with satellites and wireless spectrum acquired through its planned purchase of Globalstar.

The filing follows Amazon's announcement in April that it would acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a deal valued at approximately $11.6 billion. The acquisition is expected to close in 2027, with deployment of the D2D network beginning in 2028.

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Direct-to-device networks allow smartphones and other compatible devices to connect directly with satellites when conventional cellular coverage is unavailable. In its FCC filing, Amazon said the network is intended to improve connectivity for people living, working or traveling in areas that lack reliable wireless service.

Amazon also said the network would support emergency response operations, including search-and-rescue missions, while extending communications for remote worksites, transportation fleets and supply chains operating beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

"Amazon looks forward to delivering on the promise of D2D connectivity, including to the millions of people living, traveling and working in places beyond the reach of existing networks today," the company said in its FCC filing, CNBC reported.

The latest filing expands Amazon's long-term investment in Project Kuiper, its low Earth orbit broadband satellite network that is designed to compete with SpaceX's Starlink service.

Amazon currently has more than 390 Project Kuiper satellites in orbit, which the company recently said is sufficient to begin providing initial commercial service later this year. The company remains subject to FCC deployment milestones requiring it to launch all 3,232 satellites in its first-generation Kuiper constellation by July 2029.

Last month, the FCC granted Amazon a partial waiver after the company requested additional time to meet an earlier deployment deadline for its first-generation network. Reuters reported that regulators allowed Amazon to miss the original requirement to deploy 1,600 satellites by July 30 while keeping the broader 2029 deadline in place.

Amazon's planned D2D service would compete directly with Starlink Mobile, SpaceX's satellite-to-phone offering. SpaceX currently provides direct-to-cell connectivity in the United States through its partnership with T-Mobile and has secured wireless spectrum rights from EchoStar to support the service.

Competition in satellite-based mobile communications has accelerated as technology companies seek to eliminate coverage gaps left by traditional cellular infrastructure.

Apple introduced emergency satellite messaging through its partnership with Globalstar in 2022, while Reuters has reported that several mobile operators worldwide are expanding direct-to-device satellite services through partnerships with satellite providers, reflecting growing commercial interest in the technology.