Wire · technology
Amazon Leo proposes constellation of over 5000 satellites for direct-to-phone service
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Fusion42 · 27 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
Amazon Leo filed an FCC application for a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites to provide direct-to-device voice, messaging, and data connectivity to smartphones globally, leveraging Globalstar's mobile satellite spectrum acquired earlier in 2026. Deployment begins in 2028, intensifying competition with SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global in the satellite-to-phone market.
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◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
Amazon just acquired the spectrum and filing rights to compete directly with SpaceX and AST on phone-to-satellite. If you make antennas, RF modules, or handset-integrated chipsets for satellite-to-device, you now have a second buyer at scale with deployment starting 2028 - and SpaceX alone has proven the market exists.
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