While Starlink provides significant advantages compared to traditional broadband, the market requires more options to foster competition. Amazon is positioning itself as a key player through its satellite-based internet initiative, originally known as Project Kuiper, which remains under development and targets availability by 2026.
This type of service proves invaluable for individuals in isolated regions lacking fiber connections or other rapid broadband alternatives. Although it has certain limitations and challenges, these are generally surmountable. A primary concern involves reliance on SpaceX and its founder Elon Musk, underscoring the importance of rival offerings.
Amazon has invested substantial effort into the initiative. As the debut approaches, the company has chosen to assign a formal title to the service.
Following seven years of progress, Amazon has renamed Project Kuiper to Amazon Leo. The title serves as a straightforward reference to the low Earth orbit satellite array that will drive the system.
In a promotional video, Amazon described this as the dawn of a transformed internet landscape. To support this shift, the firm is collaborating with partners across multiple nations, such as DirecTV, Sky Brazil, L3Harris, and JetBlue.
The service, designed as a Starlink counterpart, is scheduled for rollout in 26 nations during spring 2026, encompassing the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Reports indicate Amazon showcased the effort at a recent industry event.
Upon introduction, Amazon intends to deploy 200 satellites into low Earth orbit to activate the Leo system for initial customers. Approximately 100 of these have already reached space using SpaceX launch vehicles. In contrast, Starlink began operations with only 60 satellites and has expanded to more than 8,000 in orbit.
Post-initial deployment in targeted regions, Amazon anticipates extending coverage to areas north and south of the equator via an additional 3,000 satellites. Achieving parity with Starlink's reach could require several months or even years.
Leo is engineered for robust performance, with early trials demonstrating download speeds ranging from 1 to 1.2 Gbps. Upload capabilities are targeted at 400 Mbps, aligning closely with Starlink's capabilities.
To match industry leaders, Amazon must prioritize reliable connectivity and resilience to interruptions. Starlink continues to face vulnerability, as evidenced by a widespread disruption last month that affected thousands of subscribers.
Amazon's objectives are bold yet achievable. Pricing details for Leo remain undisclosed, but overall project expenses are projected to reach $10 billion by the start of service. The April satellite deployments alone incurred $150 million in costs. To vie effectively with Starlink, introductory rates are expected to remain affordable.