Amazon Leo Wants to Start Their Own Satellite Phone Company
Amazon Leo already has enough satellites in space to start up their satellite-based Internet company around the world with 390 satellites currently in orbit, and another 3232 satellites planned over the next two years.
So, this is new.
Amazon now is asking the FCC. To approve the launching of up to another 5105 satellites, which would allow them to start up what they call a "direct to device" (D2D) satellite system. Amazon Leo D2D. This is all made possible by a merger that Amazon has made with a company based in Louisiana called Globalstar. Globalstar already had D2D agreements with Apple and were in the process of expanding their network even before they were acquired by Amazon.
According to an Amazon news release.
“In the large parts of the world where mobile phones serve as the primary means of internet connection, the Leo D2D System will give customers greater speed and throughput to expand what they can accomplish today. The system is designed to reach any compatible mobile device — including any of the growing number of smartphones from major manufacturers that have satellite-capable chipsets built in.”
The Global Star Network already provides dead-zone texting, emergency SOS, and roadside assistance for compatible iPhones and Apple Watch models. Amazon Leo has stated that they will continue to cooperate with Apple to provide more services.
Who else are they working with?
Amazon Leo has also said that they're developing partnerships with Vodafone, Herotel, DirecTV, and the Australian National Broadband Network.
Who else is in this space?
SpaceX's Starlink Mobile partnering with T-Mobile seems to be the lead entity to get involved in D2D, but they are not alone. Around the globe you will find companies like AST, SpaceMobile, Orbcomm, ViaSat, Lynk Global, and Iridium.
In America, the FCC is tasked with regulating and distributing the RF bandwidth that is available for space-based telecommunication companies.
I personally, am not sure about all this. It seems to be getting a little crowded up there.
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