[REVISION HISTORY]

Leo & Starlink expansion, D2D battles, spectrum moves

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-04 16:54 UTC → 2026-09-09 17:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Amazon’s Leo constellation, rebranded from Project Kuiper, has grown to more than 398 LEO satellites following a July 2026 launch. Amazon is seeking FCC approval for a separate direct-to-device (D2D) network of up to 5,105 satellites, intended to launch in 2028. This system aims to connect unmodified smartphones via L-band and S-band frequencies, targeting remote industrial sites and consumers. The plan follows Amazon’s $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar and includes requests for regulatory waivers to bypass standard spectrum-processing rounds, citing advanced beam-forming technology. Amazon has since received FCC approval to deploy more than 5,000 D2D satellites. However, deployment challenges persist; while 396 satellites have been deployed, only 299 have reached their operational orbit of approximately 600 kilometers. Amazon officials noted that service delays are due to waiting for satellites to reach assigned orbits to ensure sufficient network capacity. Industry observers have suggested the Leo service could potentially become operational as early as late 2026. To support constellation growth, Amazon Leo has expanded its contract with the European Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket, adding six missions for a total of 24. Program manager Chris Weber noted the partnership was a successful bet on the launcher’s technical performance. The Ariane 64 variant has already placed approximately 100 satellites into orbit, including a recent flight that set a record for the heaviest commercial payload. While the constellation currently operates just under 400 satellites, the ultimate goal is to deploy more than 3,200. SpaceX’s Starlink continues to expand its mobile capabilities. The FCC has cleared SpaceX to acquire EchoStar’s mid-band spectrum, unlocking approximately 115 MHz for its Starlink Direct-to-Cell service. SpaceX has reportedly purchased 65 MHz of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for approximately $19.6 billion, aiming to begin mobile broadband service by the end of next year, with next-generation satellites slated for 2027. In Brazil, Starlink’s D2D service faces formal objections from operators Unifique, Vivo, Claro, and Iez! Telecom. Meanwhile, Anatel has extended its regulatory sandbox for D2D technology until April 22, 2029, to allow for further testing of satellite-to-phone connections without interfering with terrestrial networks. Amazon continues its expansion in Brazil, where the sale of the Amazon Leo router is authorized, though the satellite antenna still requires homologation.

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