Amazon has asked US regulators to approve a major satellite-to-phone network for mobile devices. The company wants up to 5,105 low Earth orbit satellites. Its goal is simple. Keep phones connected when cell coverage disappears.
The filing landed with the FCC on July 24. It describes the Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device system, or D2D. The network would support voice, messaging, data, and emergency services. Users would not need dishes, terminals, or nearby towers.
Amazon says the system aims at “enabling service directly to users’ mobile devices”. That matters for field teams, drivers, engineers, and remote workers. These users often move beyond cell networks. A fixed satellite dish cannot help them there.
The planned constellation would operate between 510 and 580 kilometres above Earth. It would use L-band and S-band spectrum for phone links. It would also use Ka-band and V-band for ground connections. Laser links between satellites could reduce delays and improve routing.
However, Amazon still needs spectrum rights. Those rights depend on its planned $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar. The deal should close in 2027. Satellites for the D2D service may launch from 2028.
This timeline gives Amazon ambition, but not immediate market power. The company must win approval, close the deal, and launch hardware. It also must answer likely spectrum challenges from rivals.
Even so, the target market looks clear. Amazon highlights fleet management, worksites, emergency response, and IoT sensors. These are not traditional office broadband cases. They are mobile, operational, and often mission-critical environments.
The move also fits Amazon’s wider satellite strategy. Amazon Leo already has more than 390 satellites in orbit. It also has a broadband deal with Delta Air Lines. Andy Jassy, Amazon President and CEO, said: “Leo’s speed and reliability is going to have a big impact for businesses, governments, and consumers”.
Notably, businesses came first in that statement. That aligns with the D2D filing. Amazon appears focused on workforce connectivity before mass consumer marketing.
Competition will be intense. Starlink Mobile already offers direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile in the United States. AST SpaceMobile has also shown two-way calls to standard smartphones. Both companies have live progress, not just filings.
Starlink also holds strong momentum in satellite broadband. Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations, said passengers could “stream, game, and have seamless video calls” on equipped flights. That service differs from direct-to-cell, but it shows commercial maturity.
For enterprises, Amazon’s filing deserves attention now. Satellite fallback could strengthen mobile-first unified communications plans. It may reduce the need for special hardware in remote locations.
Still, buyers should stay practical. Amazon’s service remains years away. Current options rest mainly with Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile. Yet IT leaders should leave room for another serious provider. The satellite-to-phone market is becoming a strategic connectivity layer.
