Amazon is pushing ahead with plans to build a massive satellite network that would let mobile phones connect directly from space. The company’s Leo subsidiary has filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy up to 5,105 new satellites for a direct-to-device (D2D) service.
According to Amazon, the proposed constellation will use spectrum from Globalstar, which Amazon announced plans to acquire in April for roughly $11.6 billion. The service aims to bring voice calls, data, messaging, and emergency services directly to compatible mobile devices.
How Amazon’s Satellite Phone Service Will Work
The plan is straightforward: Amazon Leo will launch thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. These satellites will act as cell towers in space, connecting directly to standard mobile phones without requiring any special hardware. Amazon says it will partner with mobile network operators to extend mobile connectivity to areas where traditional cell towers don’t reach.
As reported by CNBC, Amazon expects to begin deploying its D2D network in 2028. The company has already launched more than 390 satellites as part of its broader Project Kuiper internet constellation, but the new D2D network is a separate effort focused specifically on mobile connectivity.
What This Means for Mobile Users
If approved, the service could change how people stay connected in remote areas. Hikers, travelers, and people living in rural regions with poor cell coverage would be able to make calls and send messages from their regular phones. The system is designed to work with existing mobile devices, meaning users won’t need to buy new phones or equipment.
Amazon’s filing with the FCC, as noted by Fierce Wireless, details the company’s ambition to deploy up to 5,105 satellites using Globalstar’s spectrum. This is a significant expansion from Amazon’s earlier satellite plans and shows the company is serious about competing in the direct-to-device space.
Competition in the Satellite Phone Market
Amazon is not alone in this race. Other companies like SpaceX’s Starlink and AST SpaceMobile are also working on direct-to-phone satellite services. However, Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar gives it access to valuable spectrum that could speed up its deployment timeline.
According to Engadget, the company’s proposal is now before the FCC, which will decide whether to grant the necessary approvals. The outcome will determine how quickly Amazon can move forward with its ambitious satellite network.
Our Take: A Bold Bet on Space-Based Connectivity
Amazon’s plan to launch 5,105 satellites for direct-to-mobile service is ambitious but not surprising. The company has been building its space capabilities for years through Project Kuiper, and the Globalstar acquisition gives it a clear path to offer mobile connectivity from space.
In our view, the key question is whether Amazon can execute on this timeline. Launching thousands of satellites is expensive and complex, and regulatory approvals are never guaranteed. But if Amazon pulls it off, the service could be a game-changer for people in areas with limited or no cell coverage.
The real test will come in 2028, when Amazon says it will begin deploying the network. Until then, the company must convince regulators, secure launch capacity, and prove its technology works at scale. For now, the plan is on paper — but it’s a plan worth watching.
