Amazon’s satellite internet service, code-named Leo, is finally ready to begin limited service later this year. The announcement marks a critical step in Project Kuiper, Amazon’s $10 billion bid to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. But with Starlink already serving over 2 million subscribers globally, Amazon has a steep climb ahead.
Project Kuiper, officially designated Leo, is a constellation of over 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites designed to deliver high-speed broadband to underserved areas. Amazon received FCC approval for the constellation in 2020 and launched its first two prototype satellites in October 2023 aboard an Atlas V rocket. The successful test validated key technologies including phased-array antennas and optical inter-satellite links.
The limited service rollout slated for later this year will target select enterprise and government customers first, with consumer service expected to follow in 2025. Amazon has invested heavily in ground infrastructure, including a custom-built processing facility in Redmond, Washington, and partnerships with satellite-launch providers like Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance.
To date, Amazon has committed over $10 billion to Project Kuiper and plans to deploy 3,236 satellites by 2026 to meet FCC deployment requirements. The company has also manufactured thousands of low-cost customer terminals, aiming to keep pricing competitive with Starlink’s $599 hardware and $120 monthly fee.
“Amazon Leo has a long way to go to catch up to established rival Starlink,” the CNET report notes, highlighting the scale of the challenge. Analysts say Amazon’s integration with its broader ecosystem—including AWS cloud services and Prime subscriptions—could be a key differentiator. However, Starlink’s head start in both deployment and regulatory approvals gives it a formidable moat.
Looking ahead, Amazon will need to accelerate satellite production and launch cadence to avoid losing the spectrum allocation race. The first customer trials later this year will be a proving ground for Amazon Leo satellite internet’s performance and reliability. If successful, Project Kuiper could reshape the competitive landscape of global broadband, especially in rural and remote regions where fiber is uneconomical.
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Amazon Leo Is Ready to Begin Limited Internet Service Later This Year
But the satellite internet company has a long way to go to catch up to established rival Starlink.
Alex Valdes
CNET
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- Amazon plans to deploy 3,236 low-Earth orbit satellites for Project Kuiper, with a total investment exceeding $10 billion.
- The first two prototype satellites launched in October 2023 successfully tested beamforming and optical inter-satellite links.
- Limited Amazon Leo satellite internet service begins later this year, targeting enterprise and government customers before consumer rollout in 2025.
- Starlink currently serves over 2 million subscribers across 60+ countries, giving it a massive lead in market share and operational experience.
- Amazon’s customer terminals are expected to cost under $400 to manufacture, aiming to undercut Starlink’s $599 hardware price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon Leo, part of Project Kuiper, will begin limited service later this year, targeting enterprise and government customers first. Consumer service is expected to follow in 2025.
Project Kuiper is Amazon's initiative to deploy a constellation of over 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites to provide global broadband internet. It was announced in 2019 and received FCC approval in 2020.
Amazon plans to deploy a total of 3,236 satellites for Project Kuiper. The first two prototype satellites launched in October 2023, and Amazon must launch half the constellation by 2026 to meet FCC requirements.
Amazon has not released specific speed tiers yet, but based on prototypes the service is expected to deliver speeds up to 400 Mbps, comparable to Starlink's current offerings. Speeds will vary by location and phase of deployment.
Pricing has not been officially announced, but Amazon aims to manufacture customer terminals for under $400 and offer competitive monthly rates. Starlink currently charges $599 for hardware and $120 per month in the US.
Limited service will begin in the United States, focusing on rural and underserved areas. Amazon plans to expand globally after the constellation is more fully deployed, likely by 2026.
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Original source
www.cnet.com
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