• The proposed constellation would use five orbital shells between 510km and 580km, with deployment planned for 2028
  • Amazon plans to use Globalstar spectrum and mobile-operator partnerships to connect compatible devices beyond terrestrial mobile coverage

The fact

Amazon has asked the US Federal Communications Commission to approve the Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device System, a proposed constellation of up to 5,105 low Earth orbit satellites. Amazon said the satellites would operate across five orbital shells between 510km and 580km and provide voice, messaging, data and emergency services directly to compatible mobile devices. Deployment is planned to begin in 2028.

The system would use Globalstar's mobile satellite spectrum and operate alongside Amazon Leo's broadband network and Globalstar's existing and planned constellations. Amazon agreed in April to acquire Globalstar, with completion expected in 2027 subject to regulatory approval and other conditions. Amazon plans to provide the service through mobile network operators and has agreed to support satellite services on compatible Apple devices.

The assessment

The proposed system would add a second form of access to Amazon Leo. Its broadband service connects users through dedicated terminals, while the new constellation would communicate directly with compatible mobile devices. Mobile operators would incorporate that satellite coverage into their services, with Amazon's ground network carrying traffic between the satellites and terrestrial networks.

Delivery depends on more than launching the proposed satellites. Amazon must obtain FCC approval, complete the Globalstar acquisition, secure the required spectrum rights and integrate the network with operator systems and supported devices. The 5,105 figure is the maximum requested in the application, not approved or operating capacity.

Operators could use the system to extend service beyond terrestrial coverage without building new radio sites. That coverage would only become available where spectrum rights, ground backhaul, handset support and operator agreements are in place.

What to watch

The FCC's review and the regulatory process for Amazon's Globalstar acquisition are the immediate milestones. Mobile-operator and device agreements should identify the first markets and supported services. Satellite launches, ground-network testing and service trials will indicate whether deployment begins as planned in 2028.