Satellite Internet

The FCC has approved Amazon’s Project Kuiper to deploy an additional 4,500 satellites, bringing its total to about 7,700. This expansion intensifies competition with Starlink. Amazon aims to launch its satellite internet service by year-end, with the new satellites operating at higher altitudes to improve coverage. The FCC mandates launching 50% of approved satellites by February 2032 and the rest by February 2035. Amazon is also addressing a separate mandate for its first-generation satellites, facing launch capacity challenges. This $10 billion project signifies a major push into the broadband market.

Amazon is seeking a 24-month extension from the FCC for its Project Kuiper satellite internet deployment, originally due in July 2026. The company cited launch vehicle shortages, manufacturing disruptions, and integration challenges as reasons for the delay. Despite securing numerous launch contracts, partner vehicle development timelines have slipped. Amazon has already launched over 150 satellites and aims for 700 by July, positioning it as a major competitor to Starlink. The company argues an extension is vital for continued rapid deployment and fostering competition.

French satellite operator Eutelsat’s shares dropped 7.8% after SoftBank halved its stake, selling 26 million shares. The move follows SoftBank’s shift toward AI investments. Eutelsat, which merged with OneWeb to rival Starlink, operates 600+ satellites versus Starlink’s 6,750, and has struggled in the U.S. market. A €1.35 billion French‑state injection makes the government its largest shareholder. The firm now targets high‑value B2B services—government, aviation, emergency and maritime—seeking stable cash flow amid European digital‑sovereignty support.

Amazon (AMZN) is initiating its Amazon Leo “enterprise preview” program, challenging SpaceX’s Starlink in the satellite internet market. Select businesses will test Amazon’s hardware and software to gather feedback before a broader commercial rollout. Amazon aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet using a constellation of 3,236 LEO satellites. The company, which has already launched over 150 satellites, boasts partnerships with JetBlue and others, and is shipping “Pro” and “Ultra” terminals, with the latter promising 1 Gbps download speeds. The phased rollout allows for scalability and optimization.

JetBlue Airways will partner with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to enhance its in-flight Wi-Fi experience, integrating the LEO satellite service into approximately 25% of its fleet starting in 2027. This marks Amazon’s first airline customer for Kuiper, challenging Starlink’s dominance in the satellite internet market. JetBlue will continue its existing partnership with Viasat. The deployment is driven by increasing demand for faster, more reliable in-flight connectivity and follows similar initiatives by other airlines like Delta, Hawaiian, United, and American.