tech
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.