Amazon Leo Satellite Internet Set for Mid-2026 Launch

Amazon is finally putting a date on its ambitious space project. Formerly known as Project Kuiper, the newly rebranded Amazon Leo is now officially scheduled to begin its rollout in mid-2026. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy shared the news in his annual letter to shareholders, signaling that the era of Musk-free satellite internet is getting closer for consumers and businesses alike.

One of the most striking claims regarding Leo is its speed. Amazon says the service will support download speeds of up to 1 Gbps. To put that into perspective, Starlink’s typical download speeds currently range between 45 and 280 Mbps. If Amazon can actually deliver on this promise, it would represent a massive leap forward in satellite connectivity, making it competitive even with some fiber-optic connections in rural areas.

While we don't know exactly when individual households can sign up, enterprise testing is already well underway. Big names like Delta and JetBlue have already signed deals to use Leo for their in-flight Wi-Fi services starting in 2028. Other major partners include AT&T, Vodafone, and even NASA. It seems Amazon is focusing on building a robust corporate foundation before opening the floodgates to the general public.

However, catching up to SpaceX won't be easy. Amazon currently has only 241 satellites in orbit, whereas Starlink has already surpassed the 10,000 mark. Amazon even had to ask the FCC for an extension on its requirement to have 1,600 satellites operational by July 2026, admitting they might only have about 700 by then. Despite the hardware lag, Amazon is banking on its native AWS integration and lower costs to lure customers away from the competition.