Amazon's trying to launch a global satellite cellphone network in 2028
News Source
β’2026-07-27T11:40:38-04:00
π° What Happened
Amazon filed an application with the FCC on Saturday to launch a huge satellite network. The plan involves 5,105 satellites in low-Earth orbit. This constellation would provide direct-to-cellphone service for voice calls, messaging, data, and emergency services. Amazon plans to start deploying the satellites in 2028, pending FCC approval.
The service would work with regular phones, not special satellite phones. Amazon will use Globalstar's spectrum to make the connection happen. This is different from Amazon's Project Kuiper, which provides home internet through satellite dishes. This new network aims to let any phone connect to a satellite when there is no cell tower nearby.
π The Backstory
Direct-to-cell satellite service is a hot new area in tech. Apple already added satellite emergency messaging to iPhones via Globalstar. T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink have a deal to offer satellite texting. AST SpaceMobile is building a similar network. Amazon is late to this race but has the money to catch up fast.
The idea is to end 'dead zones' where cell phones have no signal. Remote areas, national parks, and ocean crossings could all get coverage. The technology is still new and faces technical challenges. Satellites need to connect to phones that were designed for nearby towers, not space. The FCC also needs to approve the plan, which could take years.
π― Why It Matters
If this works, you could use your phone anywhere on Earth without needing cell towers. No more losing signal on road trips or hikes. Emergency calls would always connect when you need help.
Amazon filed an application with the FCC on Saturday to launch a huge satellite network. The plan involves 5,105 satellites in low-Earth orbit. This constellation would provide direct-to-cellphone service for voice calls, messaging, data, and emergency services. Amazon plans to start deploying the satellites in 2028, pending FCC approval.
The service would work with regular phones, not special satellite phones. Amazon will use Globalstar's spectrum to make the connection happen. This is different from Amazon's Project Kuiper, which provides home internet through satellite dishes. This new network aims to let any phone connect to a satellite when there is no cell tower nearby.
Direct-to-cell satellite service is a hot new area in tech. Apple already added satellite emergency messaging to iPhones via Globalstar. T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink have a deal to offer satellite texting. AST SpaceMobile is building a similar network. Amazon is late to this race but has the money to catch up fast.
The idea is to end 'dead zones' where cell phones have no signal. Remote areas, national parks, and ocean crossings could all get coverage. The technology is still new and faces technical challenges. Satellites need to connect to phones that were designed for nearby towers, not space. The FCC also needs to approve the plan, which could take years.
If this works, you could use your phone anywhere on Earth without needing cell towers. No more losing signal on road trips or hikes. Emergency calls would always connect when you need help.