Amazon Files for 5,105-Satellite Direct-to-Phone Constellation — What the FCC Application Reveals

Spectrum

The D2D constellation will use Globalstar's mobile-satellite service (MSS) spectrum: the system receives uplinks from mobile devices in the 1610–1618.725 MHz range and transmits downlinks to devices in the 2483.5–2500 MHz range . These lower-frequency bands are far better suited for connecting handheld phones than the Ka-band frequencies that Amazon Leo uses for its fixed broadband service .

Orbital Altitudes

The filing does not explicitly list a single operational altitude for the new D2D constellation in the publicly summarized reports. Prior Amazon Leo FCC correspondence from April 2026 references a 450 km orbit insertion altitude for its Gen1 broadband satellites, and the D2D system is also described as operating in LEO . No distinct altitude for the D2D-specific satellites has been separately confirmed in published coverage.

Services Delivered

The system will provide voice, messaging, data, and emergency services — basic cellular connectivity directly to compatible smartphones and mobile devices . Amazon says it will extend mobile network operator (MNO) coverage globally, filling gaps where terrestrial towers do not reach .

Relationship to Amazon's Existing Broadband Constellation (Amazon Leo / Project Kuiper)

Amazon Leo's original Gen1 constellation consists of 3,236 satellites (licensed by the FCC in 2020) for fixed broadband internet via Ka-band and V-band. It is behind its deployment schedule — it had roughly 210–241 satellites in orbit as of early May 2026 and recently received an FCC waiver for its July 2026 deployment deadline .

The new 5,105-satellite D2D constellation is a separate, additive system that Amazon intends to operate alongside the existing broadband constellation . Amazon describes the two as complementary networks — one for fixed broadband and one for direct-to-phone connectivity .

Relationship to the Globalstar Acquisition

In April 2026, Amazon agreed to acquire Globalstar for approximately $10.8 billion (reported values range from $10.8 billion to $11.57 billion depending on the source) .

The acquisition gives Amazon Globalstar's 24 existing satellites, its MSS spectrum licenses, satellite operations, ground infrastructure, and personnel . The July 24 FCC filing explicitly proposes to combine Amazon Leo's infrastructure with Globalstar's spectrum and existing satellite assets to deliver D2D services . Amazon told the FCC the Globalstar spectrum is "necessary to compete in the D2D market" . The FCC began its review of the Amazon/Globalstar acquisition on June 5, 2026, seeking public comment by July 6 .

Partnerships and Timeline

• Partnerships: Amazon Leo plans to partner with mobile network operators (MNOs) globally to extend their coverage via satellite . No specific carrier names have been announced.
• Deployment timeline: Amazon says D2D satellite deployment will begin in 2028, pending FCC approval . The new constellation is slated to be built and deployed by Amazon Leo's own team, leveraging the Globalstar assets .

Competitors Already Active in the Direct-to-Device Market

Based on the context of these reports, the major D2D competitors include:

• SpaceX / Starlink — already operating a direct-to-cell service and has been publicly sparring with Amazon at the FCC over spectrum and orbital issues .
• AST SpaceMobile — a dedicated D2D satellite company that has launched test satellites and signed agreements with multiple global mobile operators.
• Lynk Global — a smaller competitor that has been testing direct-to-phone satellite technology.
• Apple / Globalstar (pre-acquisition) — Apple already used Globalstar satellites for iPhone emergency SOS via satellite, a service Amazon will now control post-acquisition .