Amazon is seeking federal approval to launch 5,105 satellites for a direct-to-device network that will partly rely on assets from Globalstar, a company Amazon announced plans to acquire earlier this year, according to CNBC.
Key facts
- Amazon is seeking federal approval to launch 5,105 satellites, according to CNBC.
- The satellites are intended for a direct-to-device network, according to CNBC.
- The network will partly rely on assets from Globalstar, CNBC reported.
- Amazon announced plans to acquire Globalstar in April for roughly $11.6 billion, according to CNBC.
Amazon has applied for federal approval to launch 5,105 satellites for a direct-to-device network, according to CNBC.
The proposed network will partly rely on assets from Globalstar, a satellite company that Amazon announced plans to acquire in April, CNBC reported. According to CNBC, the deal was valued at roughly $11.6 billion.
Further details of the filing, including a timeline for approval or launch, were not specified in the available reporting.
CNBC’s reporting is the basis for the details of the application and the Globalstar acquisition figure cited here.
Why it matters
Amazon's filing to launch more than 5,000 satellites for a direct-to-device network, and its planned acquisition of Globalstar's assets, indicate the company is pursuing a large-scale expansion in space-based connectivity, according to CNBC.
Frequently asked questions
How many satellites does Amazon want to launch?
Amazon is seeking federal approval to launch 5,105 satellites for its direct-to-device network, according to CNBC.
What is Globalstar's role in the plan?
The proposed network will partly rely on assets from Globalstar, which Amazon announced plans to acquire in April for roughly $11.6 billion.
How much did Amazon agree to pay for Globalstar?
According to CNBC, Amazon announced plans to acquire Globalstar for roughly $11.6 billion.