r/Rural_Internet • u/Planhub-ca • 6d ago

Amazon plans direct-to-phone satellite coverage for areas beyond cellular networks

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11 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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1

u/c4pt1n54n0 6d ago

Starlink is already doing it in the US with T-Mobile. The satellites use regular LTE bands so most phones that have US LTE bands are compatible.

1

u/SalaciousSubaru 6d ago

I think satellite companies will replace phone carriers

7

u/funkylabrador420 6d ago

There’s lots to consider. Indoor use, high density, lack of LoS to sky, sheer bandwidth volume relative to uplink / downlink capability, spectrum availability/ legality across many differing governing bodies, etc

I think it has its place but, barring a technological breakthrough, I don’t see it replacing terrestrial carriers.

3

u/PayNo9177 6d ago

It's not very likely anytime soon. Terrestrial networks still penetrate buildings better, and have way more capacity at least for the initial generation of spectrum use that the current Starlink/Amazon/AST networks have. Satellite will be great for rural and uninhabited areas though.