Amazon has officially filed an application with the United States Federal Communications Commission to launch and operate Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device, a massive satellite constellation designed to bring cellular connectivity to remote areas. According to the regulatory filing, the initiative proposes a network of 5,105 low-Earth orbit satellites built to deliver voice, messaging, high-speed data, and emergency services directly to standard mobile phones.
Orbital Architecture and Space-Based Processing
Unlike traditional satellite systems that act as simple pass-through relays, Amazon’s proposed D2D satellites will feature advanced onboard signal processing capabilities. According to regulatory documents, the network will utilize inter-satellite optical laser links for internal traffic routing alongside adaptive modulation techniques to manage bandwidth efficiently across multiple orbital bands.
The system relies on a multi-layered orbital distribution to maximize coverage:
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* Layer 1: Operates at an altitude of 580 kilometers with an inclination of 55.7 degrees, targeting medium latitudes with high population density.
* Layer 2: Operates at an altitude of 560 kilometers with an inclination of 58.2 degrees, covering mid-latitude regions.
* Layer 3: Operates at an altitude of 510 kilometers with an inclination of 56.3 degrees, supplementing mid-latitude coverage.
* Layer 4: Operates at an altitude of 570 kilometers with an inclination of 73.0 degrees, dedicated to cold zones and high latitudes.
* Layer 5: Operates at an altitude of 540 kilometers with an inclination of 84.0 degrees, providing near-polar coverage.
Globalstar Partnership and Apple Device Integration
According to corporate disclosures, this transaction secures control over L-band (1.6 GHz) and S-band (2.4 GHz) spectrum licenses authorized in more than 120 countries for mobile satellite services.
As part of the associated agreements, Amazon has agreed to maintain the operational continuity of existing satellite features found on compatible Apple devices. According to project outlines, these features include emergency SOS functionality, satellite messaging, and Find My network location tracking.
Competitive Landscape in Low-Earth Orbit
Amazon’s direct-to-device constellation is projected to begin deployments in 2028. The network will operate independently while integrating with Amazon’s broader fixed internet infrastructure, Amazon Leo, which currently maintains more than 390 satellites in orbit and regional distribution partnerships such as Vrio in South America.
In the commercial space race, Amazon aims to close the gap with SpaceX’s Starlink division. According to industry tracking, Starlink currently operates more than 650 D2D-capable satellites in partnership with T-Mobile, alongside a broader broadband network exceeding numerous operational units in space.
South American Broadband Expansion
In November 2025, Amazon Leo announced a partnership with Vrio, the parent company of DIRECTV Latin America and Sky Brasil, to distribute fixed satellite broadband across seven South American countries: Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay. Commercial availability is scheduled to begin in 2026, subject to regional regulatory approvals.
While the Vrio agreement focuses on fixed-terminal broadband services, the newly submitted FCC application for the 5,105-satellite D2D constellation pertains exclusively to the United States regulatory jurisdiction and does not include immediate authorization for foreign operations.