Amazon Leo plans to deploy 5,105 satellites to enter the mobile phone direct communication market
Amazon Leo, its satellite network plan, has submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and plans to deploy up to 5,105 low-orbit satellites to provide voice, data and emergency communications services directly to mobile devices. The network will utilize the Globalstar spectrum resources it acquired and is expected to start deployment in 2028. This direct-to-device communications network will complement Amazon’s existing satellite broadband business, allowing ordinary smartphones to access satellite services in base station signal blind spots without modification. The system plan covers scenarios such as personal communications, IoT connections, and emergency response. In order to obtain key spectrum, Amazon announced in April that it would acquire Globalstar for approximately US$11.6 billion, and the transaction is expected to be completed in 2027. Currently, Globalstar is working on The acquisition also gives Amazon access to equipment that provides emergency satellite services. The network will compete with SpaceX Starlink mobile phone direct connection service and AST SpaceMobile. Currently, SpaceX has joined forces with T-Mobile to launch similar services, and the three major US operators have also established joint ventures to promote the development of this market. In terms of technology, Amazon proposed that its satellites will have on-board signal processing and laser inter-satellite link capabilities to achieve efficient routing. The satellites will be distributed in five orbital layers at an altitude of 510 to 580 kilometers to achieve global coverage.