348-Satellite EU Network and Amazon Leo Challenge SpaceX Starlink
- Amazon Leo is preparing to challenge SpaceX's dominant Starlink network with a planned constellation of approximately 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites, bgr.com reported.
- Amazon Leo is targeting a commercial broadband launch in late 2026 using its currently deployed satellites.
- Starlink continues to expand its footprint and recently secured a deal to access additional wireless spectrum for its satellite-to-phone service in the United States.
Amazon Leo is preparing to challenge SpaceX’s dominant Starlink network with a planned constellation of approximately 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites, bgr.com reported. While SpaceX has deployed more than 11,000 satellites and secured over 12 million internet subscribers globally, Amazon’s rival service has launched 396 satellites into orbit as of October 2026. Project Kuiper, initiated in 2018, changed its name to Amazon Leo in 2025.
Amazon Leo Targets Commercial Launch
Amazon Leo is targeting a commercial broadband launch in late 2026 using its currently deployed satellites. Coverage will expand steadily as the company sends more spacecraft into low-Earth orbit. The project aims to establish global coverage by July 2029.
The network faces a wide deployment gap against SpaceX. Starlink continues to expand its footprint and recently secured a deal to access additional wireless spectrum for its satellite-to-phone service in the United States. Amazon has not yet announced residential subscription fees or terminal costs, meaning pricing will dictate how effectively Leo can challenge the established market leader.
Hardware Specifications and Terminal Design
Amazon has unveiled several user terminals designed for the upcoming service. Advertised download speeds reach up to 100 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and 1 Gbps. These specifications outline the system’s potential capacity, though the company must still demonstrate consistent real-world performance.
Beyond standalone broadband services for households and businesses, Amazon Leo could eventually tie Amazon Prime into its connectivity offerings. The network intends to compete directly with Starlink for residential and commercial customers worldwide.
European Union Advances IRIS² Satellite Network
In Europe, the EU-backed IRIS² satellite network is developing as another alternative to Starlink, though its primary focus centers on secure government and defense communications. The European Commission concluded negotiations with the SpaceRISE consortium in August 2026, expanding the planned constellation to 348 satellites.
The expanded IRIS² network will increase secure government communications capacity by 60% within the European Union and 54% globally, according to the European Commission. The project plans to launch its first satellites in 2029, with services rolling out gradually afterward to provide emergency communications and extend broadband to poorly served areas.