Tech giant Amazon is now one step closer to realizing its ambition of providing global broadband internet service. Through the project now known as Amazon Leo—previously popular as Project Kuiper—the company has successfully strengthened its network by placing 396 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) following a successful launch using an Atlas V rocket on July 2, 2026.
The latest launch successfully carried an additional 29 satellites into space. Amazon's Director of Launch Systems, Melissa Wuerl, emphasized that the company has optimized infrastructure at the vertical integration facility to ensure a more intensive launch frequency. This step was taken to significantly expand network coverage shortly after the initial commercial service officially goes live this year.
As a main challenger to SpaceX's Starlink, Amazon Leo offers ambitious download speeds, ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the type of user terminal device selected. The company's strategic moves also extend to direct-to-device satellite communication technology, reinforced by the acquisition of Globalstar worth US$11.5 billion or approximately IDR 207 trillion in April 2026.
Despite showing massive progress, Amazon still has to catch up on the scale of its constellation compared to its competitor. Currently, Starlink dominates orbit with around 10,400 satellites. Although Amazon has long-term plans to launch more than 7,700 satellites, the company currently holds an official license from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate 3,232 satellites.
Regulatory challenges previously slowed the company's pace, including the obligation to deploy at least 50% of the total approved constellation by July 2026 at the latest. Given that this target was difficult to achieve, the FCC authority ultimately approved Amazon's request for a time extension under additional conditions. Now, the public awaits proof of service quality and the competitive pricing policies that Amazon will offer to win global broadband internet market share.
