Amazon Seeks FCC Approval for Expanded Leo Direct-to-Device Satellite Network

Amazon filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to launch more than 5,000 satellites that would support a direct-to-device (D2D) service for voice, messaging, data and emergency communications. If the application is approved, deployment is slated to begin in 2028. The company says the new satellites will process signals in orbit before relaying them, a design intended to improve performance for consumer, enterprise and government users.

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Earlier this year Amazon completed the acquisition of Globalstar’s satellite network, inheriting spectrum that will be used for the expanded Leo system. The original Leo constellation, planned at roughly 3,200 satellites, already has “over 375” satellites launched as of July 2. The expanded network will be nearly double the size of that initial effort and will incorporate spectrum from Globalstar as well as additional bands assigned to Iridium’s network outside the United States. Amazon has also announced partnerships with mobile operators such as T-Mobile-like collaborations, as well as agreements with DirecTV, HeroTel and Vodafone to broaden service reach.

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In a news release, Amazon emphasized that billions of people live beyond the reach of existing communications infrastructure and that the Leo system is intended to bridge that divide. The company highlighted a range of use cases, from high-speed, low-latency broadband for everyday consumers to uninterrupted communications for disaster response, global fleet management, remote worksite operations, IoT sensor connectivity and emergency messaging when terrestrial networks are unavailable.

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• “The core Amazon Leo system will help bridge this divide by providing high-speed, low-latency broadband to a wide range of consumer, enterprise and government customers,” — Amazon

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• “In addition to personal use, the D2D service will enable capabilities like uninterrupted communications for disaster response, global fleet management, remote operations across worksites and supply chains, IoT connectivity for remote sensors, and emergency messaging when ground-based networks are unavailable,” — Amazon

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The FCC decision will determine whether Amazon can proceed with the 2028 launch schedule. Upon approval, the company plans to begin satellite deployment that year, expanding its D2D capabilities and complementing the broadband services already envisioned for the Leo platform. The rollout will be staged alongside ongoing collaborations with mobile carriers and enterprise partners to deliver the promised connectivity across remote and underserved regions.

The Verge