Wire · technology
Amazon Leo Plans 5105-Satellite Network for Direct-to-Phone Service
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Fusion42 · 27 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
Amazon plans to deploy a 5,105-satellite constellation called Leo to provide direct-to-device mobile connectivity (voice, messaging, data, emergency services) to smartphones in unserved areas, leveraging Globalstar's spectrum and beginning deployment in 2028. The service will compete with SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global in a growing market, though launch capacity constraints may affect rollout pace.
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◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
Amazon just committed to building a 5,100-satellite network, which means it will need to buy antennas, ground stations, and launch services at scale from 2028 onwards - and existing launch providers are already capacity-constrained. If you build components for satellite constellations or manage launch logistics, you now have a named buyer with a hard deadline and a public commitment.
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