Amazon Leo seeks FCC approval to provide mobile services from space

Investing.com -- Amazon.com Inc. has asked the US Federal Communications Commission for permission to launch a network of 5,000 satellites designed to provide mobile services directly to cell phones from space. The move intensifies competition with SpaceX in the satellite communications sector.

The proposed low-Earth orbit network would offer global coverage and connect to smartphones and other mobile devices to enable messaging, data and emergency services in areas without cell tower coverage, according to a company news release.

The request follows Amazon's announcement earlier this year of plans to acquire satellite company Globalstar Inc. for $11.6 billion. That deal would provide Amazon with access to spectrum capable of transmitting data to phones.

Amazon has already established partnerships with traditional telecommunications companies, including Vodafone Group PLC and DirecTV, to enable them to offer satellite-based services to their customers. The company said it plans to continue pursuing similar arrangements.

SpaceX's Starlink has a comparable partnership with T-Mobile US Inc. AST SpaceMobile Inc., a Texas-based company also developing a direct-to-device network, has agreements with Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc.

Amazon is separately building Amazon Leo, a network intended to deliver broadband internet coverage to receivers on Earth, similar to SpaceX's Starlink terminals. The company expects to begin service by the end of the year but has encountered delays in launching its spacecraft.

Amazon Leo has an agreement with Apple Inc. to provide satellite services for iPhones and Apple Watches.

Amazon expects to begin deploying its direct-to-device network in 2028.

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