Amazon wants its Leo project to directly compete with Starlink not only in the satellite internet access market but also in Direct-to-Device (D2D) mobile connectivity. The company has applied for approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites in low Earth orbit capable of providing voice, data, messaging, and emergency services directly to compatible mobile phones. Deployment is expected to begin in 2028, utilizing the mobile spectrum acquired through the purchase of Globalstar.
The key points of Amazon Leo’s 5G NTN in 20 seconds
- Amazon is seeking to deploy a D2D constellation of 5,105 satellites in low Earth orbit.
- The service will enable compatible mobile devices to connect without relying on terrestrial antennas.
- Leo will use Globalstar’s mobile spectrum and not just agreements with operators.
- The network will incorporate laser links between satellites and in-orbit signal processing.
- Deployment will start in 2028, competing directly with Starlink and AST SpaceMobile.
Amazon is already developing its satellite broadband network for homes and businesses, but the next step is to extend that infrastructure so phones can connect directly to satellites when terrestrial coverage is unavailable.
This is not just about sending emergency messages. The company aims to offer voice, messaging, data, and critical services using terminals compatible with 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), the standard defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to integrate terrestrial and satellite mobile networks.
From satellite SOS to a full mobile network
Direct Mobile-to-Satellite connectivity is already underway but in its early stages.
Services like Apple’s Emergency SOS, some Starlink Direct to Cell solutions, or AST SpaceMobile networks enable basic communication when users are outside the range of conventional antennas.
In most cases, data speeds are limited, and communication requires a relatively clear view of the sky for several seconds or even minutes. Additionally, many current solutions depend on radio spectrum temporarily licensed from national mobile operators.
The second generation will arrive with 5G NTN, initially included in Release 17 of the 3GPP standard and later expanded in Releases 18 and 19.
New compatible phones will feature chipsets designed to compensate for greater satellite distance, Doppler shift, and other effects inherent in such links.
The goal is to progressively bring user experience closer to that of a conventional mobile network in low bands, though significant differences in total capacity and latency compared to a terrestrial base station will remain.
Five orbits to almost cover the entire planet
According to documentation submitted by Amazon to the FCC, the D2D constellation will consist of five orbital layers.
The first three will primarily cover densely populated areas:
- 580 kilometers altitude with an inclination of 55.7°.
- 560 kilometers and 58.2°.
- 510 kilometers and 56.3°.
Two additional layers will improve coverage at higher latitudes:
- 570 kilometers altitude with an inclination of 73°.
- 540 kilometers and 84°, primarily targeting polar regions.
This distribution allows for more capacity over areas where most of the world’s population resides, while still providing coverage near the poles.
Satellites will communicate via laser optical links to form an independent backbone network, avoiding reliance on ground stations.
Additionally, Amazon will use digital beamforming and beam hopping, techniques that electronically steer radio beams toward active user zones, reducing interference and optimizing spectrum use.
Unlike traditional bent-pipe satellites that simply relay signals to ground stations, Leo’s D2D satellites will process some traffic directly in orbit before retransmitting.
Globalstar’s shift transforms Amazon’s strategy
One of the most significant announcements isn’t about satellites but about radio spectrum.
Following the April agreement to acquire Globalstar, Amazon will incorporate its worldwide Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) licenses.
This will enable the use of specific spectrum bands for satellite communications without relying solely on temporary spectrum leasing from national mobile operators.
Practically, this marks a shift from Starlink Direct to Cell’s initial approach, which relied heavily on agreements with companies like T-Mobile, Rogers, One NZ, or Entel to use parts of their terrestrial frequencies.
That doesn’t mean Amazon will abandon partnerships with mobile operators.
The company already has agreements with Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel, and the Australian National Broadband Network (NBN), and aims to continue collaborating with operators to integrate D2D services within existing networks.
Europe also wants to shape the future of satellite 5G
As Amazon and Starlink prepare their constellations, Europe is working on a regulatory framework that could reshape spectrum allocation for satellite-based mobile services.
The European Commission is considering reserving part of the 2 GHz MSS band for European operators when current licenses expire in 2027.
Spain supports this initiative, and the Ministry for Digital Transformation has launched a public consultation on the future European regulation.
The proposal suggests dividing the spectrum into three main blocks:
- one-third for government, defense, and security communications;
- one-third for European operators offering commercial D2D services;
- the remaining third for other commercial operators.
Currently, licenses for this band are held by U.S. companies. The proposal aims to extend current rights until 2029 while selecting new licensees. The government’s goal is to enhance European technological sovereignty and support the development of domestic satellite services, in coordination with the upcoming IRIS² constellation.
The real competition begins when compatible phones arrive
Although Starlink and Amazon see 2028 as a turning point, satellite deployment alone won’t be enough for the market to take off.
It will also be necessary to increase the number of phones compatible with 5G NTN.
Currently, only some cutting-edge chipsets support these features, and many manufacturers still offer limited implementations mainly for emergency use.
Standard evolution will gradually improve speeds, reduce connection setup times, and enable applications that are difficult with today’s first-generation satellite connectivity.
Amazon aims for Leo to complement terrestrial coverage, not replace it.
Most mobile traffic will continue to flow over conventional 4G and 5G networks. Satellites will act where deploying antennas is too costly, technically difficult, or impossible after natural disasters.
In this scenario, Amazon Leo, Starlink, AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, and other operators trying to turn satellites into natural extensions of mobile networks will compete.
The goal is no longer just to offer internet from space. The next step is for a phone to function normally even if the nearest cell tower is hundreds of kilometers away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amazon Leo Direct-to-Device?
It is Amazon’s upcoming network that will allow direct connection of compatible mobile phones to low Earth orbit satellites for voice, data, messaging, and emergency services.
How many satellites will the D2D constellation have?
Amazon has applied for authorization to deploy up to 5,105 satellites dedicated specifically to this service.
Will it require agreements with mobile operators?
It will continue collaborating with operators but acquiring Globalstar gives Amazon access to its own MSS spectrum licenses, reducing dependence on agreements for terrestrial frequency use.
What is the difference between the first generation and 5G NTN?
Initial solutions mainly offer basic messaging and emergency services. 5G NTN incorporates enhancements from the 3GPP standard to deliver faster, more stable communication comparable to terrestrial mobile networks.
via: Amazon and Ministerio Transformación digital
