Amazon Files for 5,105-Satellite Mobile Network, Competing with SpaceX

Amazon has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to 5,105 low Earth orbit satellites for direct-to-device mobile connectivity, significantly expanding its satellite ambitions beyond broadband. The constellation, part of Amazon Leo, would deliver voice, messaging, data, and emergency services directly to compatible smartphones and mobile devices in areas without traditional cell tower coverage. Deployment is planned to begin in 2028.

The move leverages Amazon's April 2026 acquisition agreement for Globalstar, which grants the company access to mobile satellite services spectrum licenses with global authorizations. Amazon Leo will distribute the D2D satellites across five orbital shells at varying altitudes and inclinations—three shells for mid-latitude coverage (510–580 km altitude), one for high-latitude areas (570 km, 73° inclination), and one for near-polar regions (540 km, 84° inclination)—to optimize coverage across populated regions and polar areas.

The new direct-to-device system will operate alongside Amazon Leo's existing broadband satellite constellation and Globalstar's HIBLEO and C-3 constellations. Amazon has already announced a partnership with Apple to power satellite services for compatible iPhone and Apple Watch models, including Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance. The D2D network is intended to serve billions of customers globally in areas beyond existing communications infrastructure, with applications in disaster response, fleet management, remote operations, IoT connectivity, and emergency messaging.

The initiative intensifies competition with SpaceX, which dominates both satellite internet and satellite-to-mobile markets and plans to spend $20 billion acquiring spectrum from Echostar for its own mobile constellation. However, satellite-to-mobile services currently face limited adoption; T-Mobile reported in May 2026 that satellite usage represented only 0.0002% of its total network usage, largely concentrated in national parks. Amazon faces a launch challenge: its primary launch provider, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, has been delayed and grounded following a May 2026 launch pad anomaly, requiring Amazon to request an FCC extension on its network build-out deadline. Despite these obstacles, Amazon's $255 billion in current assets provides substantial capital to continue investment in the network.