Re: Support for Advancing Direct-to-Device Communications

Dear Commissioners:

The Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC) is a broad-based coalition committed to educating the public and policymakers on the importance of using every tool in the connectivity toolbox to deliver fast, affordable broadband access. Our members include consumer advocates, community organizations, technology groups, small businesses and public safety experts, many of whom represent families that rely on cellular service to remain connected in moments of need.

Connectivity is the foundation for economic opportunity, public safety, education and healthcare, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services are an important part of making that vision a reality. As the communications landscape evolves, direct-to-device (D2D) services delivered through LEO satellites are becoming a vital means to extend coverage, increase network resilience and reach communities that remain beyond the practical reach of terrestrial infrastructure. Approving the proposed transaction between Amazon and Globalstar will advance these goals while delivering meaningful benefits to consumers, businesses, first responders and rural communities.

D2D services enable standard mobile devices to communicate directly with LEO satellites without specialized hardware, helping fill coverage gaps even with continued investment in fiber, fixed wireless and mobile networks. Rather than replacing terrestrial infrastructure, these services function as a complementary layer that extends coverage in difficult-to-serve areas and provides critical backup during emergencies.

When terrestrial networks are overloaded or inoperable, D2D satellite services provide a resilient alternative that helps first responders, emergency managers and affected communities stay connected. These capabilities support emergency messaging, location sharing and coordination during crises, ensuring continuity of communications when it is needed most.

D2D services also deliver significant economic and societal benefits across multiple sectors. Our coalition includes ranchers and farmers who depend on reliable connectivity to stay safe and operate effectively, yet many continue to face coverage gaps that leave them isolated. As precision agriculture evolves, farmers increasingly rely on connected sensors and automated equipment to manage planting, irrigation and harvesting, and D2D services can help support those operations.

The transportation and logistics sector also depends on reliable connectivity for fleet management and driver safety. D2D satellite services can maintain communications with truck drivers on remote highways, track cargo across long-distance routes and enable real-time coordination for supply chain operations.

Additionally, D2D satellite connectivity strengthens health and safety. Some of our members represent rural healthcare providers operating in areas with limited broadband access who depend on reliable communications to reach patients in remote locations and support medical transport crews working beyond cellular coverage. At the same time, D2D capabilities enhance safety for outdoor recreation operators by helping hikers, boaters and outdoorsmen in service-limited areas stay connected with guides and staff. This reduces risk, helps prevent tragedies and strengthens tourism and investment in rural economies.

Approving the proposed transaction will drive substantial consumer benefits across the economy and strengthen the United States’ leadership in the rapidly evolving satellite communications landscape. By accelerating deployment of next-generation D2D capabilities, this development would build on America’s long-standing leadership in space-based communications, encourage continued innovation and support investment in satellite technology and device integration.

We urge the Commission to continue its strong space policy modernization efforts, support regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and investment and view approval of this transaction as part of the broader strategy to ensure all Americans have access to reliable, resilient communications services regardless of location.

Respectfully,
Connect Everyone Coalition