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Amazon Files FCC Application for 5,105 Satellites to Beam Internet Directly to iPhones

Summary

Amazon filed with the FCC on July 27 to launch a new constellation of 5,105 satellites designed to deliver direct-to-device internet capable of supporting voice and full data services, not just emergency messaging. The filing comes alongside a reported deal with Apple to bring Kuiper-powered satellite connectivity to future iPhones, years after Apple turned down a similar pitch from Starlink. Amazon is also pending an $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar, whose spectrum licenses are needed to legally transmit directly to phones; deployment is targeted for 2028.

Why it matters

Apple picking Amazon’s Kuiper over Starlink for satellite iPhone connectivity is a significant infrastructure shift. For iPhone users, it signals that satellite connectivity for everyday voice and data, not just emergencies, is on the near-term roadmap.

HTD Says

Apple picking Amazon over Elon Musk for satellite iPhone connectivity is a business story, but the real headline is that full satellite data on your phone is now a 2028 target, not science fiction. When satellite connectivity first came out, I was simply amazed. As they continued to add new features to it (simple messaging, location sharing, roadside assistance, etc.), I began to truly see the enormous value of this.

For now, Apple has been subsidizing this functionality and not charging end users. That may change in the future as everything nowadays is about subscription services and recurring (predictable) revenue. But, having multiple satellite connectivity options drives competition which, supposedly, is good for consumers.

But as capabilities and features increase, usefulness for consumers increases as well. And moving beyond just emergency services will be a huge win for the consumer. Time will tell what will be included in the rollout. I could see various subscription plans (emergency-only for free and more robust offerings as a paid plan).

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Source:

CNBC

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