Amazon CEO Targets Mid-2026 Launch for Amazon Leo Service

Jassy touts performance, cost, and AWS integration advantages of Amazon's satellite constellation.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of an angular, futuristic satellite surrounded by a network of illuminated data cables, representing the advanced technology and connectivity of Amazon's Leo satellite internet service.Amazon's ambitious satellite internet constellation, Leo, promises to deliver faster, more affordable broadband access to underserved communities worldwide.Cape Canaveral Today

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced in a shareholder letter that the company's satellite internet service, Amazon Leo, is scheduled to launch in mid-2026. Jassy highlighted the constellation's superior performance, lower costs compared to competitors, and seamless integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Why it matters

Amazon's entry into the satellite internet market poses a significant challenge to existing providers like SpaceX's Starlink. The performance and cost advantages Jassy touted could disrupt the industry and provide more affordable high-speed internet access, especially in underserved rural areas.

The details

Jassy did not provide a more specific timeline for the rollout of Amazon Leo, but said the constellation will offer about six to eight times better uplink performance and two times better downlink performance than current alternatives. He also claimed the service will come at a lower cost than competitors. Amazon currently has a three-terminal lineup for the service, ranging from a portable design to the high-end Leo Ultra model supporting download speeds up to 1 Gbps. Amazon has already launched 241 satellites for the constellation and is planning more than 20 launches this year to scale up coverage.

  • Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced the mid-2026 target launch date in a letter to shareholders on April 10, 2026.
  • Amazon has launched 241 satellites for the Amazon Leo constellation as of its most recent launch last weekend.
  • Amazon is planning more than 20 launches this year to scale up the Amazon Leo constellation.

The players

Andy Jassy

The CEO of Amazon, who announced the mid-2026 target launch date for the Amazon Leo satellite internet service.

Amazon Leo

Amazon's satellite internet service, which is scheduled to launch in mid-2026 according to CEO Andy Jassy.

Chris Weber

Amazon's vice president for the Leo Business, who provided details on the company's plans to roll out the service in two initial coverage bands.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The performance will be stronger (about six to eight times better on uplink, and two times better on downlink) than what customers have access to now. Second, this performance will come at a lower cost than alternatives.”

— Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon

“And third, Leo will seamlessly integrate with AWS to enable enterprises and governments to move data back and forth for storage, analytics, and AI.”

— Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon

What’s next

As Amazon continues to launch more satellites for the Amazon Leo constellation this year, the company plans to initially roll out service in two coverage bands, one in the northern hemisphere and one in the south. Over time, these bands will expand toward the equator and the poles as more satellites are added.

The takeaway

Amazon's entry into the satellite internet market with its Amazon Leo service poses a significant challenge to existing providers like Starlink. The performance and cost advantages touted by CEO Andy Jassy could disrupt the industry and make high-speed internet more accessible, especially in underserved rural areas.