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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Anthony Cuthbertson

Amazon unveils satellite phone service to rival SpaceX’s Starlink

  • Amazon has unveiled plans for a direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service, aiming to provide mobile phone connectivity via a mega constellation of over 5,000 satellites by 2028.
  • The US tech giant has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to deploy these satellites into low Earth orbit.
  • This new D2D service is set to directly rival SpaceX’s Starlink network, which initiated satellite-to-mobile connections last year.
  • Amazon's service is designed to offer connectivity in remote regions, support disaster response teams, and bridge coverage gaps in existing mobile networks through collaborations with telecom operators like Vodafone and Apple.
  • Despite a recent setback involving its New Glenn rocket, Amazon Leo has already launched nearly 400 satellites and intends to introduce a limited commercial internet service later this year, promising the world's fastest space internet.

IN FULL

Amazon plans global satellite cell phone service in 2028

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