Amazon’s trying to launch a global satellite cellphone network in 2028

Amazon is pursuing the development of a global satellite cellphone network with a target launch date of 2028. According to reports from The Verge, Reuters, and the Financial Times, the company is proposing a satellite constellation specifically designed to provide direct-to-phone services. This initiative, referred to in coverage from Reuters as Project Leo, aims to enable mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, bypassing the need for traditional ground-based infrastructure in certain contexts. Multiple major media outlets are tracking this development, with the Financial Times emphasizing that Amazon is positioning this constellation to target Elon Musk's Starlink.

Reuters focuses on the technical proposal for the direct-to-phone service, while The Verge highlights the specific 2028 timeline for the global rollout. These reports collectively suggest a strategic move by Amazon to enter the satellite communications market with a product that competes directly with existing low Earth orbit networks. To understand the current stakes, readers should note that the initiative is a direct challenge to the market dominance of Starlink. By focusing on direct-to-phone capabilities, Amazon intends to integrate satellite connectivity into the standard mobile experience.

The coverage indicates that this is not merely a general internet service, but a specific attempt to provide mobile services on a global scale, leveraging a constellation of satellites to ensure connectivity where traditional towers are unavailable. Looking forward, the primary point of interest will be the progression of Project Leo toward its 2028 goal. Future developments will likely center on the deployment schedule of the constellation and the technical specifications of the direct-to-phone integration. As Amazon moves toward the target launch date, further details regarding the scale of the constellation and the specific mobile services offered will be essential to determine the project's ultimate viability against competitors.