Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to roll out satellite internet service later this year.
After launching nearly 400 satellites, Amazon has announced that its Leo broadband service will become operational later this year.
Amazon’s long-anticipated response to SpaceX’s Starlink is finally close to reality. As per an exclusive report from Reuters, the company is set to begin its Leo satellite internet service by the end of this year, following a recent rocket launch that brought its satellite constellation to 394 in orbit.
The components of Project Kuiper are finally aligning.
This achievement occurred after Amazon's recent mission successfully deployed 29 additional satellites using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. Chris Weber, vice president of Amazon Leo (previously known as Project Kuiper), indicated that while there remains work to complete before the satellites reach their designated operational heights, Amazon has conducted enough launches to initiate its initial service rollout this year.
The recent launches have been significant for @AmazonLeo, resulting in over 390 satellites being deployed, sufficient to ensure continuous service in initial latitudes. There is still much work to do, including elevating the new satellites to their specified altitudes, but we've completed enough... pic.twitter.com/UZb404fXRq— Chris Weber (@Weber44Chris) July 2, 2026
Amazon has not disclosed which regions or countries will receive service first. Nevertheless, Reuters reports that coverage is likely to commence near the Earth's north and south poles, gradually extending towards the equator as more satellites are incorporated into the network. Ultimately, Leo aims to launch over 3,200 satellites to deliver global broadband coverage.
A significant new competitor to Starlink.
In contrast to traditional satellite internet services that rely on a small number of satellites positioned high above the Earth, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations deploy thousands of satellites much closer to the planet. This configuration greatly reduces latency and enhances speeds, making the technology much more suitable for applications such as streaming, video calls, online gaming, and remote work.
This is precisely the market Amazon intends to penetrate. Similar to Starlink, the company plans to provide internet service to households via dedicated user terminals while also catering to businesses, governments, and sectors like airlines. Although Starlink is already operating with approximately 10,000 satellites, Amazon has significant ground to cover. However, the entry of another major competitor in the LEO internet arena could lead to increased competition, improved coverage, and potentially lower prices for consumers in the future.
Amazon has made notable progress in launching its long-anticipated satellite internet service. Following its latest rocket launch, the company has successfully placed 396 Project Kuiper satellites in low-Earth orbit, sufficient to begin providing continuous service across selected regions. This development keeps Amazon aligned with its previously stated goal of launching commercial service by mid-2026.
Other articles
Amazon's competitor to Starlink is expected to roll out satellite internet service later this year.
Amazon intends to introduce its inaugural Leo satellite internet service later this year following the deployment of nearly 400 satellites into orbit, presenting a greater challenge to SpaceX's Starlink.
