tech
January 31, 2026
Amazon asks FCC for extension for Leo satellite internet service
The company needs to bring more of its satellites online so it can begin offering an internet-from-space service that was recently rebranded as Amazon Leo.
TL;DR
- Amazon has requested an extension from the FCC to meet the July 2026 deadline for deploying approximately 1,600 internet satellites.
- The company needs to deploy satellites for its rebranded satellite internet service, Amazon Leo, with an investment of at least $10 billion.
- Reasons for the requested extension include shortages of rockets, manufacturing disruptions, and limitations in launch capacity.
- Amazon has already deployed over 150 satellites and expects to have around 700 in orbit by July 30, 2024.
- The company has secured launch agreements with SpaceX and Blue Origin, and its next launch is scheduled for February 12 with Arianespace.
- Amazon Leo's primary competitors are SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb, operated by Eutelsat.
- Amazon argues that denying an extension would hinder the FCC's goals of expanding spectrum access and promoting expeditious deployment.
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