Amazon Leo plans to deploy 5,105 satellites to enter the mobile direct communication market

Amazon's satellite network plan, Amazon Leo, has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy up to 5,105 low Earth orbit satellites to provide voice, data, and emergency communication services directly to mobile devices. The network will utilize the spectrum resources acquired from Globalstar, with deployment expected to start in 2028.

This device-centric communication network will complement Amazon's existing satellite broadband business, allowing ordinary smartphones to access satellite services in areas without base station signal without modification. The system is planned to cover scenarios such as personal communication, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and emergency response.

To acquire key spectrum, Amazon announced in April that it would acquire Globalstar for approximately $11.6 billion, with the deal expected to close in 2027. Currently, Globalstar provides emergency satellite services for Apple devices, and this acquisition will also grant Amazon access to this partnership.

The network will compete with SpaceX's Starlink mobile direct connection service and AST SpaceMobile, among others. Currently, SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile to launch similar services, and the three major U.S. carriers have also formed joint ventures to promote market development.

On the technology front, Amazon has proposed that its satellites will have on-board signal processing and laser inter-satellite link capabilities for efficient routing. The satellites will be distributed across five orbital layers at altitudes of 510 to 580 kilometers to achieve global coverage