Amazon Leo seeks FCC approval for 5,105-satellite direct‑to‑device network
Amazon.com, Inc., through its Kuiper Systems LLC subsidiary, has filed a request with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to launch a direct‑to‑device (D2D) satellite constellation of up to 5,105 low‑Earth‑orbit satellites. The system, called Amazon Leo, is designed to connect standard, unmodified smartphones and other compatible devices directly from space, using L‑band and S‑band frequencies for the device link and Ka‑ and V‑band for ground gateways.
Amazon already operates about 390 satellites and plans to add roughly 3,232 more over the next two years. The rollout of the Leo D2D network is slated to begin in 2028, pending regulatory approval. The company aims the service at remote industrial sites, logistics fleets and consumers outside traditional cellular coverage, offering voice, messaging, data and emergency services.
The proposal follows Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar for roughly $11.6 billion, giving it control of the spectrum rights needed for the D2D service. Amazon is also seeking regulatory waivers to bypass standard spectrum‑processing rounds, arguing that its advanced beam‑forming technology and inherited rights from Globalstar make the usual procedures unnecessary.
Entities: Amazon Leo · Amazon.com, Inc. · Federal Communications Commission · Globalstar, Inc. · Kuiper Systems LLC
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Amazon is seeking regulatory waivers to bypass standard spectrum‑processing rounds for the Leo D2D system. (Regulatory filing article)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Amazon Leo D2D system will allow standard, unmodified smartphones to connect directly to satellites. (All articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The constellation will use L‑band and S‑band frequencies for device links and Ka‑ and V‑band for ground gateways. (Technical filing article)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The service targets remote industrial sites, logistics fleets and consumers beyond traditional cellular coverage. (Regulatory filing article)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Amazon currently operates roughly 390 satellites and plans to launch about 3,232 more over the next two years. (English articles)
- [DISPUTED] Amazon acquired Globalstar for about $11.6 billion. (Spanish articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Amazon is seeking FCC approval to launch up to 5,105 direct‑to‑device satellites. (All articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Deployment of the Amazon Leo D2D network is planned to start in 2028. (All articles)