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Amazon files to launch 5,105 direct-to-phone satellites from 2028

Amazon files to launch 5,105 direct-to-phone satellites from 2028

The proposed direct-to-device network would use Globalstar spectrum and mobile carrier partnerships, widening Amazon’s push into satellite-to-phone services alongside Starlink and AST SpaceMobile.

Fact Check
Amazon's official newsroom ('Amazon Leo D2D') directly confirms the FCC filing for up to 5,105 satellites for direct-to-device connectivity, deployment starting 2028, use of Globalstar spectrum, and onboard processing plus optical inter-satellite (laser) links. CNBC ('Amazon seeks to launch 5,105 satellites for direct-to-device network') independently confirms the 5,105 satellite count, 2028 deployment, Globalstar integration, and competition with Starlink. SpaceNews corroborates the 5,105 figure. All core elements of the claim are verified by primary official and credible news sources.
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Summary

Amazon has asked the Federal Communications Commission to approve a direct-to-device constellation of up to 5,105 low Earth orbit satellites that it expects to begin deploying in 2028. The planned system would use Globalstar spectrum and follows Amazon’s $11.57 billion agreement announced on April 14, 2026 to acquire the satellite operator, whose network powers Apple’s Emergency SOS feature on iPhones and Apple Watches. Amazon said the service is aimed at compatible smartphones and IoT devices in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial wireless networks, with support for voice, messaging, data and emergency connectivity. The company plans to work through partnerships with mobile network operators rather than selling service directly to consumers, allowing carriers to add satellite coverage to existing plans. The move would expand Amazon’s broader Leo, formerly Project Kuiper, satellite effort alongside its roughly 3,236-satellite first-generation broadband constellation approved by the FCC in July 2020. The direct-to-device push would compete with SpaceX’s T-Mobile partnership and AST SpaceMobile, while the FCC approval timeline and the planned 2028 deployment are likely to be key markers for when the business could begin contributing meaningful revenue.

Terms & Concepts
  • direct-to-device: A satellite communications model that connects services directly to ordinary smartphones or other devices without requiring dedicated satellite hardware.
  • low Earth orbit: A relatively close-to-Earth orbital region commonly used for communications satellites to help reduce signal delay.
  • IoT: Short for Internet of Things, referring to connected devices such as sensors or equipment that exchange data over networks.