Amazon Leo files FCC application for 5,105-satellite D2D constellation
Amazon · Globalstar
Amazon Leo asked the FCC to license 5,105 satellites for direct-to-device service on Globalstar spectrum, starting 2028.
what happened
Amazon Leo filed an application with the FCC on July 24 for a constellation of 5,105 low Earth orbit satellites to provide direct-to-device (D2D) mobile connectivity, per Amazon's own release and SpaceNews. The system would use L-band and S-band spectrum assigned to Globalstar for device links, with Ka-band and V-band spectrum for gateway connections, and satellite deployment is set to begin in 2028. The filing follows Amazon's April 2026 agreement to acquire Globalstar for roughly $11 billion, a deal expected to close in 2027; Amazon said it will partner with mobile network operators to extend the service globally and pointed to its existing agreement with Apple powering Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My and Roadside Assistance on iPhone and Apple Watch.
why it matters
This is Amazon's first FCC filing for a purpose-built direct-to-device satellite network, positioning Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) against SpaceX's Starlink Direct to Cell and AST SpaceMobile once the Globalstar acquisition closes. A grant is still pending and deployment years away, but the filing shows Amazon intends to build a dedicated D2D constellation on Globalstar's spectrum rights rather than just acquiring existing capacity, adding a well-capitalized third competitor to a market currently split between SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile.
for who
Mobile network operators, D2D competitors, satellite spectrum investors
signal-to-noise
quick facts
- Companies
- Amazon, Globalstar
- Category
- regulatory
- Impact
- notable
- SNR
- 5 / 5
- Event date
- 2026-07-24
- Published
- 2026-07-27 17:32 UTC