Amazon Seeks D2D Approval For 5,105-Satellite Constellation

Amazon has formally requested authority to deploy a low-Earth-orbit satellite broadband system for direct-to-device (D2D) service.

The application, filed with the Federal Communications Commission July 24, comes after Amazon in April agreed to buy Globalstar to underpin its ability to connect satellites to mobile phones and other devices.

Amazon, in a July 27 statement, said it proposes a new constellation of 5,105 satellites capable of connecting with mobile devices. Service is due to start in 2028.

“The D2D system will operate alongside Leo’s first and second-generation satellite broadband systems—as well as Globalstar’s Hibleo and C-3 satellite constellations—extending Leo satellite connectivity directly to compatible mobile devices,” Amazon said.

The widely anticipated move comes as Amazon tries to keep pace with other satellite service offerings, such as SpaceX’s Starlink and AST SpaceMobile, that are among those deploying D2D constellations.

Amazon said it plans five orbital shells for the D2D constellation that will employ L-band and S-band spectrum links. The medium-latitude coverage will come from a shell at 580 km (360 mi.) with 55.7 deg. inclination, a second at 560 km and 58.2 deg. and a third at 510 km and 56.3 deg. The high-latitude coverage would operate at 570 km and 73 deg. inclination, while the near-polar coverage would come from a 540-km-altitude shell at 84 deg.

Amazon said its Leo D2D satellites will process signals to deliver enhanced performance and feature intrasatellite laser links. The system will use digital beam-forming and beam-hopping to avoid signal loss, it said.

Amazon has been deploying its initial batch of LEO broadband satellites, with more than 390 now in orbit.