Amazon has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission seeking authorization to launch up to 5,105 satellites for a direct-to-device, or D2D, connectivity network.

The filing, submitted Saturday, describes plans for an Amazon Leo D2D system designed to provide voice, data, messaging, and emergency services directly to smartphones and other mobile devices without relying on traditional cell towers. D2D satellite service is intended to extend basic mobile connectivity beyond terrestrial wireless coverage, but deployment in the United States requires FCC review of satellite operations, spectrum use, and related technical rules.

Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) plans to build the service using Globalstar’s spectrum and satellite infrastructure. Amazon announced in April that it had agreed to acquire the satellite operator in a transaction valued at roughly $11.6 billion. The company expects the acquisition to close in 2027, while deployment of the D2D network is targeted to begin in 2028.

The proposed D2D system would operate alongside Amazon Leo’s existing first- and second-generation satellite broadband service, as well as Globalstar’s HIBLEO and C-3 satellite constellations.

In the application, Amazon identifies its primary intended users as people who are “unserved or underserved” by existing wireless providers. The filing also highlights potential uses for emergency operations, including search and rescue, as well as connectivity for remote worksites, fleets, and supply chains.

Amazon has named several telecom and connectivity partners for the planned rollout. Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel, and Australia’s National Broadband Network are listed as partners supporting the D2D effort.

Competition With Starlink

The FCC filing would place Amazon in more direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile service, which already provides direct-to-cell connectivity through a partnership with T-Mobile in the United States.

Starlink currently operates a constellation of more than 10,000 satellites, making it the dominant operator in low Earth orbit internet service. Amazon, by comparison, has more than 390 satellites in orbit. The company recently said that number is sufficient to begin “initial service” later this year.

The proposed D2D network would also expand Amazon Leo beyond fixed satellite broadband into mobile connectivity, a market where satellite operators, wireless carriers, and device makers are increasingly working to connect standard phones in areas where ground networks are unavailable.

Kuiper Progress and Regulatory Timeline

Amazon received regulatory relief from the FCC last month when the agency granted a waiver related to a requirement that the company deploy 1,600 of its first-generation satellites by July 30.

The company remains obligated to launch its full planned constellation of 3,232 satellites by July 2029. Amazon has been developing its Leo internet network since last April as it builds a long-term competitor to Starlink.

For the D2D initiative, Amazon has secured access to Globalstar’s wireless spectrum licenses through the pending acquisition. That spectrum is a central component of the proposed direct-to-device system.

The next milestones for the project include FCC consideration of the application, completion of the Globalstar acquisition, and Amazon’s ability to scale satellite production and launches ahead of the planned 2028 D2D deployment.

AMZN stock was modestly higher in Monday’s early session and was on track to end a four-day losing streak.