Amazon to launch initial Leo internet service this year

Amazon plans to launch its first commercial satellite internet service later this year, marking a major step in its challenge to SpaceX's established Starlink network. The announcement came on July 2 after a successful launch from Florida added 29 satellites to the constellation, bringing the total number of operational satellites in orbit to 394.

Chris Weber, the head of Amazon's satellite venture now called Amazon Leo, confirmed the milestone. He stated that while significant work remains to position the newly launched satellites, the company has completed enough launches to begin initial service in 2026. The service is expected to start in regions near the Earth's north and south poles before gradually expanding toward the equator as more satellites are added.

The long-term goal is a constellation of more than 3,200 satellites to provide global broadband coverage. Since its first production launches began in April 2025, Amazon has successfully launched 398 satellites in total. The company is targeting both consumers in areas with unreliable broadband and enterprise clients, including governments and industries such as airlines. The service will use customer terminals ranging...