Amazon’s new satellite network for mobile phones could turn up the heat on SpaceX
Amazon has filed for an FCC license to launch a network of over 5,000 satellites aimed at providing mobile phone connectivity. This move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX in the satellite-to-mobile market, though the company faces significant hurdles including launch delays and questions regarding consumer demand.
Why it matters
The expansion of satellite-to-mobile infrastructure represents a major shift in global telecommunications and the space economy.
Amazon filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for a license to operate a new network of 5,105 satellites that would provide service to mobile phones, with plans to start launching them in 2028.
The move comes several months after Amazon acquired the satellite operations of Globalstar, which provides emergency connectivity to Apple iPhones and internet-of-Things devices. The filing revealed the company’s plans to leverage Globalstar’s radio spectrum to expand these offerings and integrate them with Leo, Amazon’s broadband internet satellite network.
That sets up more competition with SpaceX, which has dominated both the satellite internet and satellite-to-mobile services market. SpaceX will spend $20 billion buying spectrum from Echostar to build out its mobile constellation, one of the key growth strategies described in its IPO filings.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in