Amazon NASDAQ:AMZN is planning to deploy more than 5,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites beginning in 2028 as it expands Amazon Leo beyond broadband and into direct smartphone connectivity.
According to an FCC filing, the Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device system would allow smartphones and other mobile devices to connect directly to satellites for voice calls, data, messaging and emergency services. The network will use spectrum currently controlled by Globalstar, whose satellite operations, infrastructure and spectrum assets Amazon is acquiring.
Amazon Leo is the company's answer to SpaceX's Starlink, targeting consumers and businesses in areas where traditional mobile and broadband networks are unreliable or unavailable. The company has already partnered with Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel and Australia's National Broadband Network as it builds out the service.
The direct-to-device constellation would operate alongside Amazon Leo's existing broadband satellites and Globalstar's current networks.