Amazon will bring satellite data to your phone in 2028

Credit: Justin Duino / How-To Geek Published Jul 27, 2026, 12:54 PM EDT Jon is a seasoned journalist who has written definitive coverage of consumer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He's an expert on making tech accessible ranging from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables. When he's not writing, he's going on adventures with ihis family and is an avid photographer. Sign in to your How-To Geek account You might not have to go with SpaceX's Starlink to get full satellite service on your phone. Amazon has requested approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch satellites for a Leo Direct-to-Device service with deployment starting in 2028. The plan has "up to" 5,105 low Earth orbit satellites providing data, voice calls, messaging, and emergency help where conventional cellular service can't reach. Amazon claims it will minimize lag by processing signals before they return to the ground (rather than simply relaying them) and will use lasers to beam data between satellites and manage traffic. Starlink Mini Kit Brand Starlink Range 1,200 sq.ft The move comes after Amazon said it would buy Globalstar in April, helping it launch a direct-to-device satellite service. Amazon already has a deal with Apple to power satellite access on iPhone and Apple Watch hardware. The rollout will help fulfill that plan and should enable satellite data on any compatible device, including Android phones and wearables, When will Amazon Leo satellite service be available on my phone? There's a (slow) race to beat Starlink Credit: Justin Duino / How-To Geek Amazon hasn't narrowed down a price or exact release date for Leo Direct-to-Device. However, it sees this as a "complement" to cellular service that fills in gaps where towers are impractical. As with Starlink, the cost might be factored into your carrier plan or available through an add-on. Deployment might take some time, so there are no guarantees service will go live as soon as the first satellites reach their positions. However, Amazon won't necessarily wait for a complete launch. The company is already planning to offer home and office broadband later this year, despite having just 390 satellites in orbit so far. There's pressure for Amazon to act quickly. SpaceX is extending its reach with Starlink Mobile, a direct-to-cell service that promises 5G speeds through carrier partners starting in mid-2027. Leo Direct-to-Device will not only help it compete, but also give customers more choices. You'll have a better chance of using satellite service on your phone, and you can switch providers if you don't like Starlink.