Amazon has applied to the Federal Communications Commission for authorization to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites to support direct-to-device, or D2D, connectivity for smartphones and other mobile devices.

The Seattle-based technology company’s proposed Amazon Leo D2D system is designed to provide voice communications, data transmission, messaging and emergency services directly to devices without relying on conventional cellular tower infrastructure, according to an application filed over the weekend. Such systems are aimed at extending basic mobile connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, particularly in areas where building or maintaining cell towers is difficult.

The network would make significant use of Globalstar’s spectrum and infrastructure. Amazon announced in April that it intended to acquire the satellite communications provider in a transaction valued at approximately $11.6 billion. The company expects the Globalstar acquisition to close in 2027, with the first deployment of the D2D service scheduled to begin in 2028.

The planned satellite constellation would operate alongside Amazon Leo’s existing first- and second-generation broadband satellite services, as well as Globalstar’s HIBLEO and C-3 satellite systems. In the filing, Amazon identified consumers with limited or no access to reliable wireless coverage from traditional providers as a primary focus of the service.

Amazon also cited additional uses for the system, including emergency response situations such as search and rescue missions. The company said the network could also support connectivity for remote worksites, vehicle fleets and logistics operations.

To support the planned service, Amazon has formed partnerships with major telecommunications and connectivity providers. Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel and Australia’s National Broadband Network were identified as collaborators in the D2D initiative.

Direct Competition With Starlink

Amazon’s plan would place it in direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile service, which already offers direct-to-cellular connectivity in the United States through a partnership with T-Mobile.

Starlink operates an active constellation of more than 10,000 satellites and is the leading provider of low Earth orbit internet services. Amazon, by comparison, has deployed more than 390 satellites to date. The company recently said that number would be sufficient to begin “initial service” within the current year.

The filing also broadens Amazon’s satellite ambitions beyond fixed broadband service, putting mobile connectivity and emergency communications into the same competitive field as low Earth orbit internet access.

Kuiper Development and FCC Requirements

The FCC granted Amazon regulatory relief last month by approving a waiver related to a requirement that the company have 1,600 first-generation satellites in operation by July 30.

Amazon remains required to complete deployment of its full 3,232-satellite constellation by the July 2029 deadline. Since April of last year, the company has been steadily expanding its Leo internet infrastructure as part of its long-term effort to compete with Starlink.

For the D2D initiative, Amazon has secured access to Globalstar’s wireless spectrum licenses under the pending acquisition agreement. That spectrum access is a key component needed for the planned system to operate, and the FCC application represents a necessary regulatory step before Amazon can deploy the proposed satellite network for commercial service.

Shares of Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) posted slight gains in Monday morning trading, putting the stock on pace to end a four-session decline.