Wire · technology
Amazon's Leo proposes satellite constellation for direct-to-phone service
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Fusion42 · 28 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
Amazon Leo has filed an FCC application to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites for direct-to-device voice, messaging, and data connectivity to smartphones, leveraging Globalstar's mobile satellite spectrum acquired earlier this year and beginning deployment in 2028. The move intensifies competition with SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global in the satellite-to-phone market, though rocket launch capacity constraints remain a critical bottleneck.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Telecom & Connectivity, and 26 sources have reported it between 27 Jul 2026 and 31 Jul 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
Amazon just bought spectrum and filed for 5,100 satellites to reach phones where networks don't—and deployment starts in 2028. If you make antennas, modems, ground stations or RF components for satellite-phone systems, you now have a second major buyer with committed capital and launch slots.
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26 sources · first reported 27 Jul 2026 · latest 31 Jul 2026
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