Washington: TECHz – News Desk
Amazon has officially entered the race to connect everyday smartphones directly from space, filing an application with the Federal Communications Commission to launch a sprawling new low Earth orbit satellite network.
The proposed constellation, comprising 5,105 satellites, is designed to beam voice, messaging, data, and emergency services straight to standard mobile devices without requiring specialized hardware or traditional cell towers. Scheduled to begin deployment in 2028, the Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device system builds upon the company’s aggressive expansion in the space sector. The new network will combine Amazon’s existing Project Kuiper infrastructure with assets gained from its $11.6 billion acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar, which was announced in April 2026.
This merger is a critical operational cornerstone. Without Globalstar’s globally authorized mobile satellite service spectrum licenses, Amazon would lack the legal and technical framework required to transmit data directly to mobile phones. The network will operate alongside Kuiper’s first- and second-generation broadband systems, as well as Globalstar’s legacy HIBLEO and C-3 satellite constellations.
Amazon is designing the system to provide ubiquitous global coverage utilizing advanced orbital technology. The network is optimized for direct-to-device service links in the 1.6-2.4GHz band, relying on Ka-band and V-band frequencies for feeder links, telemetry, tracking, and command. Outside the United States, Amazon plans to utilize available L-band and S-band frequencies to connect with mobile devices. To maximize spectrum efficiency and minimize signal interference, the new satellites will feature advanced in-orbit signal processing and optical inter-satellite laser links.
The core mission of the initiative is to eliminate dead zones and meet consumers where they are by targeting populations that remain unserved or underserved by terrestrial wireless networks. Beyond everyday consumers, the network aims to support critical enterprise use cases, including remote worksite operations, fleet management, supply chain connectivity, and emergency disaster response. Rather than replacing traditional mobile networks, Amazon Leo plans to partner directly with mobile network operators worldwide, alongside a collaboration with Apple to develop future satellite-enabled services.
Direct-to-device connectivity has become the newest battleground in the satellite internet sector. Amazon’s 5,105-satellite proposal serves as a direct challenge to AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile, which is already live in partnership with T-Mobile. While SpaceX currently dominates the space with over 10,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, Amazon’s combined fleet – which will exceed 8,300 satellites once fully deployed – positions the tech giant as a formidable challenger poised to capture the next generation of mobile connectivity.
