Amazon is asking the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve a new 5,105 direct-to-device (D2D) satellite constellation designed to connect standard, unmodified smartphones directly from space. Operating under the Kuiper Systems LLC subsidiary, the proposed Amazon Leo constellation plans to begin deployment in 2028.
Amazon has not named Canada among its announced launch markets (so far: Vodafone, DirecTV, Herotel, and Australia’s NBN), though the company has signaled global ambitions for the system.
The application requests permission to use L-band and S-band frequencies to beam service directly to user devices. Amazon is taking over these rights through a merger with Globalstar. The company will use high-capacity Ka-band and V-band frequencies for its ground gateways. This setup targets remote industrial sites, logistics fleets, and everyday consumers operating beyond the reach of traditional cell towers.
While Amazon has yet to announce any Canadian mobile partners, major domestic operators have already been moving forward with their own networks: Rogers launched a commercial text and app service last year, Bell is building ground stations for a 2027 launch, and Telus has partnered with TerreStar Solutions on a hybrid IoT and mobile satellite network. These providers have also been actively participating in government consultations to shape the country’s upcoming direct-to-device rules.
While Amazon has yet to announce any Canadian mobile partners, major domestic operators have already been moving forward with their own networks: Rogers launched a commercial satellite-to-mobile service last year, Bell is building ground stations (in partnership with AST SpaceMobile) for a 2027 launch, and Telus has partnered with TerreStar Solutions and Skylo on a hybrid IoT and mobile satellite network.
Constellation Architecture Table Total Satellites 5,105 (maximum active system size) Orbital Planes 8,972 total slots across 6 configurations Satellites per Plane Varies (1 to 70 depending on altitude) Altitude (km) 510, 540, 560, 570, 580 Inclination (deg) 55.7°, 56.3°, 58.2°, 73.0°, 84.0° Design Life 6 to 8 years (nominal operational life) Phased Rollout Initial deployments begin in 2028
To speed up deployment, Amazon has requested several regulatory waivers. The company wants to bypass standard spectrum processing rounds, arguing its advanced beamforming technology and succession to Globalstar’s exclusive rights make such rounds unnecessary. The application also asks the FCC to waive individual licensing for mobile phones, as the network relies on standard cellular devices that already meet testing requirements.
This move pushes Globalstar’s direct-to-device market away from restricted emergency texting and limited app services toward ubiquitous voice, text, and mobile data coverage. Amazon aims to use the standard 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network framework, which allows any compatible off-the-shelf phone to connect regardless of the cellular carrier.
The merger also directly involves the Canadian space sector, as MDA Space is manufacturing Globalstar’s C-3 constellation that Amazon will soon absorb.