Amazon's satellite internet blueprint takes shape
Amazon’s satellite internet ambitions are no longer just a vision. This move marks a clear escalation in Amazon’s effort to build a direct-to-device satellite internet service, directly challenging rivals like SpaceX’s Starlink.
The Amazon Leo project is designed to work seamlessly on smartphones equipped with built-in satellite-capable chipsets. Users will be able to access satellite internet without needing additional hardware such as external antennas. Amazon has already established a partnership with Apple to enable satellite connectivity on certain iPhone and Apple Watch models, including an emergency SOS feature that was rolled out earlier this year.
How Amazon plans to cover the globe
To ensure comprehensive global coverage, Amazon is organizing its constellation into five distinct orbital shells. Three of these will target mid-latitude regions, which house the majority of the world's population, while the remaining two will cover high-latitude and near-polar areas. This setup is intended to deliver fast, low-latency internet across nearly all regions. In addition, the satellites will connect through laser-based inter-satellite links to streamline data routing and improve overall performance.
Current coverage and future deadlines
Amazon has already launched 390 satellites into orbit, and according to the company, this number is sufficient to begin rolling out a fixed satellite internet service later this year. Additionally, the company was recently granted an FCC waiver, allowing it to extend the launch date of approximately 700 satellites beyond its initial deadline. The full deployment of the 5,105-satellite network is scheduled for completion by July 30, 2029.