Amazon Leo to Start US Internet Service in 2026 After Reaching 396 Satellites

3 articles · Updated · CNET · Jul 3

Amazon’s Project Kuiper, referred to here as Leo, said it can begin limited US internet service later this year after Thursday’s launch of 29 satellites lifted its in-orbit total to 396.
Chris Weber said that count is enough to support continuous service across initial latitudes, though the newly launched satellites still must be raised to their assigned altitude before service begins.
The rollout remains narrow: coverage and pricing are still undisclosed, airline deals start with JetBlue in 2027 and Delta in 2028, and widespread service will require thousands more satellites over several years.
Starlink still dominates the market with about 10,000 satellites, service in more than 150 countries and commitments on more than 200 airlines.
Amazon plans to accelerate deployment with heavier Vulcan rockets, has hundreds of flight-ready satellites at Cape Canaveral, and is targeting 7,727 satellites by 2035 in a market projected to grow from $13.3 billion in 2026 to $35.7 billion by 2033.

Sources

Left40%

Center60%

CNET5h ago

Amazon Leo to Begin Limited Internet Service for US Customers Later This Year

GeekWire5h ago

Amazon Leo says latest launch opens the way for satellite service – GeekWire

Euronews23h ago

Amazon set to launch Leo, its rival to SpaceX's Starlink internet, later this year | Euronews

12 Sources

With its main rockets grounded, can Amazon's multi-billion-dollar bet truly challenge Starlink’s dominance from space?

Is Amazon's $11.6B Globalstar deal a genius shortcut or a desperate gamble in the space race against Musk?

Amazon Leo Launches with 224 Satellites: Gigabit-Class Satellite Internet Rollout and Global Expansion Strategy

Overview

Amazon Leo began its initial service rollout in mid-2026, marking a major step in Amazon’s plan to provide satellite internet to areas beyond the reach of traditional broadband. This launch, built on the successful deployment of 224 satellites with a 100% success rate using Atlas V rockets, positions Amazon Leo as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink. Each satellite features optical inter-satellite links, allowing fast data transmission up to 100 Gbps between satellites as far as 2,600 km apart. This mesh network design reduces reliance on ground stations, helping Amazon deliver high-speed internet to underserved communities.

...