The next big battle for mobile coverage will be in space: Amazon has a plan to take on Starlink

Amazon asked the FCC for permission to deploy up to 5,105 low-Earth-orbit satellites for its Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device network.

The service is designed to connect compatible phones and IoT devices using Globalstar spectrum, with deployment targeted to begin in 2028.

Amazon’s broadband satellite network will continue separately, while the new D2D plan puts it in direct competition with Starlink.

Starlink already offers similar direct-to-mobile services in several countries and recently enabled emergency SMS coverage in Spain during fires near Madrid.