Amazon's Amazon Leo project, formerly known as Project Kuiper, has submitted an application to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to build an array of 5,105 satellites in low Earth orbit. The project plans to launch a Direct-to-Device (D2D) network, which will allow smartphones and other mobile devices to connect to satellites without the intervention of mobile stations.
According to Advanced Television, Amazon plans to combine its satellite system with Globalstar's satellites, frequencies and terrestrial infrastructure. As a result, in the future, the system can provide not only the transmission of emergency messages, but also the connection of voice communication, Internet and "Internet of Things" (IoT) devices.
For this, Amazon plans to acquire Globalstar. The value of the transaction is estimated at 11.57 billion dollars, and its completion is expected in 2027.
The FCC has already released the application for public comment.
Amazon Leo notes that the future network will be designed to be able to work together with other systems using the same or adjacent frequencies, reducing the likelihood of mutual interference.
If the project comes to fruition, it could significantly expand the capabilities of Direct-to-Device technology, providing satellite cellular connectivity to millions of users and devices even where there is no traditional cellular coverage.