Amazon Leo Aims to Orbit 5,105 Satellites for Global 5G

Amazon's satellite subsidiary, Leo, has proposed deploying a massive constellation of up to 5,105 satellites to deliver voice and data connectivity directly to devices worldwide. This initiative places Amazon squarely in the growing competition among satellite operators aiming to provide mobile phone services directly to smartphones.

The proposed network intends to offer voice, messaging, data, and emergency services, particularly targeting areas that lack terrestrial mobile network coverage. Amazon Leo has submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking swift approval for its ambitious plan. Satellite deployment is projected to commence in 2028.

This venture will expand Amazon's satellite ambitions beyond broadband internet and intensify competition with players like SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global, all of whom are developing similar satellite-to-phone connection services. The service will collaborate with global mobile network operators and utilize spectrum from Globalstar, a company Amazon agreed to acquire earlier this year.

Globalstar currently provides device-to-device connectivity for millions of Apple device users, facilitating emergency messaging and location sharing outside terrestrial network reach. However, a significant challenge looming over the deployment of next-generation satellite constellations is the increasing scarcity of rocket launch capacity.

Amazon Leo has already announced partnerships with companies including Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel, and Australia's National Broadband Network. The company is currently deploying its first-generation satellite broadband system, with approximately 390 satellites already in orbit, and plans to start offering fixed services later this year. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously urged Amazon to focus on its own satellite deployments rather than criticizing competitors like SpaceX.

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I think Amazon should focus on putting its own house in order with its own launches and its own satellite constellation, rather than worrying about other companies that are, in fact, launching satellites at the pace and cadence that SpaceX does.