Amazon files FCC plan for 5,105-satellite Leo direct-to-device network

Amazon has filed an FCC application for a Leo Direct-to-Device constellation of 5,105 satellites beginning in 2028, aiming to deliver voice, messaging, data, and emergency service to ordinary phones beyond cell coverage, New Atlas reported. The D2D birds would fly in five orbital shells at about 540 to 580 kilometers altitude. Amazon said the system could also support disaster response, fleet management, remote worksites, IoT sensors, and emergency messaging when terrestrial networks fail. The filing sits beside Amazon's broader Leo broadband build, described as a 3,200-satellite constellation with about 375 spacecraft already in low Earth orbit after deployments began in 2025 for users with ground receivers. In April, Amazon agreed to acquire Globalstar satellite operations, infrastructure, and global spectrum licenses. New Atlas framed the consumer direct-to-cell push as competition for Starlink's service with T-Mobile, which also reaches some Verizon and AT&T customers, and noted wider astronomy concerns about large planned satellite fleets.