Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year.

Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year.

      After launching nearly 400 satellites, Amazon has announced that its Leo broadband service will be operational later this year.

      Amazon's long-anticipated response to SpaceX's Starlink is approaching its launch phase. As reported by Reuters, the company intends to offer its Leo satellite internet service by the end of the year, following its recent rocket launch that successfully placed 394 satellites into orbit.

      Things are coming together for Project Kuiper

      This achievement followed Amazon's latest mission, which deployed an additional 29 satellites using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. Chris Weber, the vice president of Amazon Leo (previously known as Project Kuiper), noted that further work is required before the satellites can operate at their designated positions. However, Amazon has conducted enough launches to initiate its service rollout this year.

      The last few launches have been significant for @AmazonLeo, bringing the total to over 390 satellites in orbit, sufficient to provide continuous service across the initial latitudes. There is still much to be done, including raising these new satellites to their assigned altitudes, but we've completed enough… pic.twitter.com/UZb404fXRq— Chris Weber (@Weber44Chris) July 2, 2026

      Amazon has not disclosed which countries or regions will be the first to receive service. Nevertheless, Reuters indicates that coverage is anticipated to start near the north and south poles of the Earth, gradually expanding toward the equator as more satellites are added to the network. Ultimately, Leo aims to launch over 3,200 satellites to ensure global broadband coverage.

      A significant contender against Starlink

      In contrast to traditional satellite internet services that depend on a limited number of satellites positioned high above Earth, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations consist of thousands of satellites placed much closer to the ground. This configuration significantly enhances speed and reduces latency, making it much more suitable for applications such as streaming, video calls, online gaming, and remote work.

      This is the very market Amazon wishes to enter. Similar to Starlink, the company aims to provide internet services to households through dedicated user terminals, also targeting businesses, governments, and sectors like airlines. With Starlink currently operating around 10,000 satellites, Amazon still has a considerable way to go. However, the entry of another major player into the LEO internet market could lead to increased competition, improved coverage, and potentially lower prices for consumers in the future.

      Amazon's Starlink competitor has just achieved a significant milestone, but reliable internet is not expected immediately.

      Amazon has made substantial progress toward launching its long-anticipated satellite internet service. Following its most recent rocket launch, the company now has 396 Project Kuiper satellites in low-Earth orbit, sufficient to start providing continuous service in select areas. This milestone keeps Amazon aligned with its previously stated objective of beginning commercial service by mid-2026.

Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year. Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year. Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year. Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year. Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year. Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year.

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Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to debut its satellite internet service later this year.

Amazon intends to roll out its first Leo satellite internet service later this year after deploying nearly 400 satellites into orbit, presenting a greater challenge to SpaceX's Starlink.