Amazon (AMZN, Financials), the e-commerce and cloud computing company, is expanding its satellite ambitions with a proposal to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites to provide direct-to-device mobile connectivity.
The proposed Leo network would deliver voice, messaging, data and emergency services to smartphones in areas without terrestrial cellular coverage. Deployment is expected to begin in 2028.
The service would partner with mobile network operators worldwide and use Globalstar's mobile satellite spectrum following Amazon's agreement earlier this year to acquire Globalstar.
The initiative broadens Amazon's satellite strategy beyond broadband internet and positions the company in the growing direct-to-device communications market.
Amazon will compete with companies including SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global, all of which are developing satellite-to-phone services as demand grows for global mobile connectivity.
The expansion comes as the satellite industry faces limited rocket launch availability, a constraint that could slow deployment of next-generation constellations.
Investors will now watch regulatory approvals, deployment milestones and Amazon's ability to execute its direct-to-device strategy ahead of the planned 2028 launch.