Amazon has asked U.S. regulators for permission to launch and operate 5,105 satellites as part of a new network designed to provide direct-to-device connectivity. The proposed system would allow mobile phones and other devices to connect to the internet via satellite, eliminating the need for ground-based towers. The network will partly rely on assets from Globalstar, a satellite communications company that Amazon announced plans to acquire in April for roughly $11.6 billion. Amazon's subsidiary, Project Kuiper (led by its Leo division), has already launched more than 390 satellites into low Earth orbit and plans to deploy thousands more to complete the constellation. The company aims to compete with similar direct-to-cell services being developed by SpaceX's Starlink and others. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will review the application, which seeks to modify Amazon's existing satellite license to enable the new direct-to-device capabilities. If approved, the service could expand internet access to remote areas and provide emergency connectivity. Amazon has not announced a timeline for commercial deployment.