Amazon has filed an FCC application to launch a direct-to-device satellite network of 5,105 satellites by 2028, partnering with mobile operators and leveraging Globalstar's spectrum to offer voice, messaging, data, and emergency services.
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Amazon filed an FCC application on Saturday to <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/amazon-leo/amazon-leo-direct-to-device-satellite-service-explained">launch a new Leo satellite constellation</a> that will provide direct-to-device satellite service for "voice, messaging, data, and emergency services." If approved, Amazon will begin deploying the new constellation of 5,105 satellites in 2028. It says it plans to partner with mobile network operators to offer direct-to-device satellite service, similar to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/712546/starlink-powered-t-satellite-service-is-now-live-on-t-mobile">Starlink's partnership with T-Mobile</a>. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier this year, Amazon announced it's <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/911617/amazon-globalstar-apple-iphone-watch-satellite-internet">acquiring Globalstar's satellite network</a> and taking over its deal to provide direct-to-device satellite services for Apple devices. Amazon says its new constellation w …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/971437/amazon-leo-direct-to-device-satellite-network">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
# Amazon’s trying to launch a global satellite cellphone network in 2028
Source: [https://www.theverge.com/tech/971437/amazon-leo-direct-to-device-satellite-network](https://www.theverge.com/tech/971437/amazon-leo-direct-to-device-satellite-network)
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Stevie Bonifield
is a news writer covering all things consumer tech\. Stevie started out at Laptop Mag writing news and reviews on hardware, gaming, and AI\.
Amazon filed an FCC application on Saturday to[launch a new Leo satellite constellation](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/amazon-leo/amazon-leo-direct-to-device-satellite-service-explained)that will provide direct\-to\-device satellite service for “voice, messaging, data, and emergency services\.” If approved, Amazon will begin deploying the new constellation of 5,105 satellites in 2028\. It says it plans to partner with mobile network operators to offer direct\-to\-device satellite service, similar to[Starlink’s partnership with T\-Mobile](https://www.theverge.com/news/712546/starlink-powered-t-satellite-service-is-now-live-on-t-mobile)\.
Earlier this year, Amazon announced it’s[acquiring Globalstar’s satellite network](https://www.theverge.com/tech/911617/amazon-globalstar-apple-iphone-watch-satellite-internet)and taking over its deal to provide direct\-to\-device satellite services for Apple devices\. Amazon says its new constellation will “use Globalstar’s spectrum,” adding that it plans to “collaborate with Apple on future satellite services using the expanded network\.”[*Advanced Television*](https://www.advanced-television.com/2026/07/27/amazon-leo-confirms-5105-satellites-scheme/)points out that the FCC application also includes a request to use spectrum assigned to Iridium’s satellite network outside the US, even as Rocket Lab is[in the process of acquiring Iridium](https://www.theverge.com/science/958891/rocket-lab-iridium-acquisition-satellite-communications)with plans to expand\.
The new constellation and direct\-to\-device service will “complement” the broadband services Amazon also plans to offer through its Leo platform\. In addition to consumer satellite service, it would also be used for things like disaster response and emergency messaging\.
Amazon says the new direct\-to\-device satellites “will process the signals in orbit before relaying them to improve performance\.” The new constellation will be nearly double the size of Amazon’s initial Leo constellation, which is planned to include around 3,200 satellites\. As of July 2nd, Amazon says[“over 375”](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/innovation-at-amazon/project-kuiper-satellite-rocket-launch-progress-updates)of those satellites have launched so far\.
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- Stevie Bonifield
Amazon announces it has deployed enough satellites (396) to begin initial service for its Starlink competitor, Amazon Leo, targeting commercial availability by mid-2026, though early performance may be limited like SpaceX's initial beta.
The FCC waived the requirement for Amazon to launch half of its satellite broadband constellation by July 2026, giving the company more time while keeping the final 2029 deadline for full deployment.
SpaceX plans to launch a retail Starlink mobile service in the US, aiming to compete with terrestrial mobile networks, according to its bond offering prospectus. The move follows a $17 billion acquisition of EchoStar's spectrum licenses.
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SpaceX has filed with the FCC to launch 100,000 Gen3 Starlink satellites, aiming to deliver multi-gigabit symmetrical broadband with ultra-low latency, though deployment depends on Starship.