Amazon Says It Will Launch Its New Internet Service Later This Year

Key Points:

• Amazon has launched over 390 satellites for its Leo low Earth orbit broadband network, enabling the start of commercial operations expected later this year, ahead of its initial mid-2026 target.
• The Leo project aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved and remote areas by positioning satellites closer to Earth than traditional systems, with initial service covering limited geographic regions.
• Amazon plans a constellation of approximately 7,700 satellites, positioning itself as a strong competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently dominates the satellite internet market.
• Despite challenges like rocket availability constraints and setbacks such as a Blue Origin rocket explosion, Amazon has secured multiple launch partnerships and is transitioning to more capable rockets like ULA’s Vulcan for future deployments.
• The service is expected to integrate with Amazon Web Services, potentially offering seamless connectivity for enterprise customers and affordable terminals for consumers, supporting global digital inclusion and expanding satellite internet as a mainstream utility.