On July 28, it was reported that Amazon Leo, Amazon's satellite internet business, submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday, planning to deploy up to 5105 LEO satellites and build a "direct connected device" (D2D) communication network. This move is seen by the industry as Bezos directly challenging Musk's Starlink's direct connection mobile service.
Amazon stated that the system will provide voice calls, text messages, data transmission, and emergency communication services for ordinary smartphones without the need for dedicated terminals or modified devices, and is expected to be deployed as early as 2028.
The company looks forward to realizing its vision of directly connecting devices, allowing millions of people living, traveling, and working outside the current traditional network coverage to also enjoy communication services
It is understood that spectrum resources are a key bargaining chip in this competition, and Amazon will use the radio spectrum resources obtained from its acquisition of Globalstar for $11.6 billion in April this year to support this constellation.
This acquisition was announced on April 14th, acquiring all shares of Globalstar for $90 per share in cash, bringing its satellite network, spectrum resources, and operations team into the Amazon Leo landscape as a whole.
This is the first time that Amazon has entered the field of satellite mobile communication, and also marks the extension of its satellite Internet strategy from broadband access to mobile phone direct connection.
Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, has launched over 390 production satellites. The original planned constellation size was about 3232, and with the addition of 5105 D2D satellites, the overall constellation planning size is close to 8000 (broadband satellites).
Amazon's entry will intensify the fierce competition in the "direct connected device" market, which is currently dominated by SpaceX Starlink. Starlink has covered over 150 countries and its Direct to Cell service has more than 650 satellites in orbit, covering 22 countries. It supports about 60 compatible smartphones and launched data services in October last year. Users only need to pay an additional $10 per month to use it.
The first mover advantage of Starlink is obvious, but Amazon's approach is different. By acquiring Globalstar, Amazon has obtained high-quality Ground Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) frequency bands, which perform better in penetrating buildings and obstructions and are more suitable for mobile phone direct connection scenarios.
Amazon also plans to collaborate with global mobile operators to extend D2D services as a supplement to terrestrial cellular networks.
