Amazon Seeks FCC Approval for 5,105 Direct-to-Device Satellites
July 27, 2026
Amazon has asked the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites that would connect compatible mobile devices, including smartphones with built-in satellite-capable chipsets, directly from orbit.
The Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device (D2D) system would deliver voice, messaging, data, and emergency services, with launches planned to begin in 2028. The filing sets up a direct challenge to SpaceX in the satellite-to-phone market.
What the Amazon Leo D2D Filing Proposes
According to Amazon, the D2D system is designed to reach compatible mobile devices, including smartphones with built-in satellite-capable chipsets, in areas beyond the coverage of cell towers. SpaceNews reported that the application was filed on July 24 and calls for five orbital shells at altitudes between 510 and 580 kilometers.
The satellites would process signals in orbit and route traffic over optical laser links, complementing Amazon Leo, the company’s broadband constellation, which had 396 satellites in orbit as of July 2 and is slated to begin initial service later in 2026.
The Globalstar Deal Behind the Spectrum
The plan builds on Amazon’s pending acquisition of satellite operator Globalstar. SpaceNews reported that the deal, agreed in April 2026, is valued at about $11 billion and expected to close in 2027. Once the acquisition closes, the direct-to-device system would use Globalstar’s spectrum in the 1.6GHz and 2.4GHz bands.
Globalstar currently powers satellite features for Apple devices, including Emergency SOS via satellite on supported iPhone and Apple Watch models. Amazon says it will continue to support those services and collaborate with Apple on future satellite offerings.
SpaceX Leads the Satellite-to-Phone Market
SpaceX is the established leader in satellite broadband and is ahead of Amazon in commercial satellite-to-mobile deployment. It has agreed to acquire mobile-satellite spectrum from EchoStar in a deal worth roughly $20 billion, which the FCC reportedly approved with conditions in May 2026; the final transfer to SpaceX is expected around November 30, 2027. SpaceX’s IPO filings also flag direct-to-phone satellite service as a major market opportunity.
Demand is still unproven, however. T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan said in May 2026 that satellite traffic that month accounted for just 0.0002% of the carrier’s total network usage, with activity concentrated around national parks, according to TechCrunch.
Launch Uncertainty: New Glenn’s Accident and an FCC Waiver
Launch logistics add uncertainty. Amazon has launch contracts with multiple providers, including ULA, Arianespace, SpaceX, and Blue Origin, but a New Glenn launch vehicle exploded during a May 28 hotfire test, damaging Launch Complex 36, Blue Origin’s only orbital launch facility. Recovery and rebuild work is continuing. Separately, on June 5 the FCC granted a conditional, limited waiver of the interim milestone requiring half of Amazon’s broadband constellation to be deployed by July 30, 2026 — a request filed on January 30, before the accident. The final deadline to deploy all 3,232 satellites by July 30, 2029 remains in place, and the matter is separate from the D2D application.
TechCrunch, pointing to Amazon’s large current assets, argues the company has the financial capacity to keep investing in its network, while SpaceX’s funding needs look more pressing.
Related: Amazon Weighs Selling Trainium AI Chips, Taking Aim at Nvidia
What to Watch Next
The FCC’s review timeline and any conditions attached to approval come first. Beyond that, the closing of the Globalstar acquisition expected in 2027, New Glenn’s return to flight, and whether launches begin in 2028 as planned will determine how quickly the network takes shape. How large demand for direct-to-device satellites becomes is still unresolved.
Sources
About Amazon – Amazon Leo D2D: How satellites will connect your phone from space
About Amazon – Amazon Leo satellite launch and deployment updates
FCC – Order DA 26-553: Amazon Leo Gen1 milestone waiver
SpaceNews – Amazon files application for direct-to-device satellite constellation
TechCrunch – Amazon’s new satellite network for mobile phones could turn up the heat on SpaceX
SpaceNews – FCC approves SpaceX spectrum deal with $2.4 billion escrow condition
Spaceflight Now – Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explodes during prelaunch testing at Cape Canaveral
The Register – Amazon Leo’s satellite homework is late, but FCC won’t flunk it just yet
