【#Tech24H】Amazon has officially filed an application with the FCC to deploy over 5,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites dedicated to direct-to-cell connectivity, meaning you'll be able to make calls, send texts, and access the internet in areas beyond terrestrial base station coverage. As many know, Amazon already has its Kuiper satellite project (with over 390 satellites currently in orbit), but that requires specialized ground terminals. The newly proposed 5,000 satellites are different, they connect directly to standard mobile phones with no extra equipment needed. And Amazon’s $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar this past April secured the critical MSS spectrum licenses for direct-to-cell service, a move that’s now paying off. Why the rush? Because SpaceX's Starlink has already staked out the best low-Earth orbital slots, with over 12,400 satellites in orbit and more than 70% of the prime direct-to-cell orbital real estate under its control. Orbital slots and spectrum are non-renewable resource - once taken, they’re gone. Amazon’s strategy is to partner with traditional telecom operators. It has already teamed up with Vodafone and DirecTV, and the Amazon Leo network has also struck a deal with Apple to provide satellite services for iPhones and Apple Watches. According to the roadmap, this new satellite fleet will begin deployment in 2028. The battle in the skies is heating up. What's your take, can Amazon catch up to Starlink? [ By Zhang Liyan | Tang Ruohan ]