Amazon Leo Plans 5,105-Satellite Constellation for Direct-to-Mobile Connectivity

Amazon Leo  has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  seeking approval to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites capable of delivering voice, messaging, data and emergency services directly to compatible mobile devices. The proposed Direct-to-Device (D2D) System is expected to begin deployment in 2028 and is designed to extend mobile connectivity to areas beyond the reach of traditional cellular networks.

The new satellite constellation will complement Amazon Leo’s existing broadband satellite network by enabling smartphones and other compatible mobile devices to connect directly to satellites without relying on terrestrial cell towers. The company said the service will support voice calls, messaging, internet access and emergency communications, while also enabling disaster response, remote operations, fleet management and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in underserved and hard-to-reach locations.

The filing follows Amazon’s definitive merger agreement with Globalstar, announced in April, under which Amazon will acquire Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure and globally authorised mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum licences. The acquisition will allow Amazon Leo to integrate direct-to-device services into its growing satellite network alongside its first- and second-generation broadband constellations, as well as Globalstar’s HIBLEO and C-3 satellite systems.

Amazon said the D2D network is intended to address the connectivity gap affecting billions of people who live beyond the coverage of conventional communications infrastructure. The service will work alongside the company’s broadband offering, which delivers high-speed, low-latency internet through compact user terminals including Leo Nano, Leo Pro and Leo Ultra, while extending connectivity directly to smartphones equipped with satellite-compatible chipsets.

The company has already announced a partnership with Apple to support satellite services on compatible iPhone and Apple Watch models, including Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages, Find My and Roadside Assistance. Amazon said it will also collaborate with Apple on future satellite-enabled services using the expanded network.

The proposed constellation will consist of five orbital shells positioned at varying altitudes and inclinations to provide global coverage. Three orbital shells will focus on densely populated mid-latitude regions, while two additional shells will extend connectivity to higher latitudes and near-polar areas. The satellites will communicate with mobile devices using L-band and S-band spectrum, while high-capacity Ka-band and V-band links will connect the satellites with Amazon’s ground infrastructure.

Unlike traditional “bent-pipe” satellites that simply relay signals to the ground, Amazon Leo’s D2D satellites will process communications onboard before transmitting them. The satellites will also feature optical inter-satellite laser links, digital beamforming, beam-hopping technology, dual-polarisation reception and adaptive modulation techniques to improve spectrum efficiency, increase network capacity and minimise interference with other satellite operators.

Amazon said the D2D service is being developed in partnership with mobile network operators and is intended to complement, rather than replace, terrestrial mobile networks by extending coverage in remote, rural and disaster-affected areas where traditional infrastructure is unavailable or impractical.

The company has already announced partnerships with telecommunications providers including Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel and Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN), and said it plans to expand collaborations with additional operators as it scales the service globally.

Amazon Leo is currently deploying its first-generation broadband satellite constellation and has more than 390 satellites already in orbit, providing sufficient coverage to begin rolling out fixed broadband services across initial regions later this year. The proposed D2D constellation represents the company’s next major step in expanding satellite-based connectivity to consumers and enterprises worldwide.