Amazon Gets FCC Approval to Deploy 4,500 Additional LEO Satellites

Amazon has secured a major regulatory clearance in its satellite internet ambitions after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorised the company to deploy 4,500 additional low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. With this approval, Amazon’s planned satellite constellation will expand to approximately 7,700 satellites, significantly strengthening its position in the rapidly growing satellite broadband market.

The move brings Amazon into closer competition with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, whose Starlink service currently dominates the sector with thousands of satellites already operational.

FCC Approval Strengthens Amazon’s Satellite Internet Strategy

Expansion of Amazon Leo Constellation

Amazon plans to use the newly approved satellites to enhance global internet coverage, including underserved and remote regions such as polar areas, while also supporting additional frequency bands. The expansion will allow Amazon to scale its satellite internet service, branded as Leo, and improve network reliability and capacity.

The company has already launched over 150 satellites since April and is targeting the start of satellite internet services later this year, marking a key milestone in its long-term space strategy.

Gen 2 Satellites to Deliver Higher Capacity and Coverage

Technology Upgrades in Amazon Leo Gen 2

According to Rajeev Badyal, vice president of technology for Amazon Leo, the upcoming satellites will significantly improve network performance.

While the performance of Amazon Leo Gen 1 is ‘impressive on its own,’ Gen 2 satellites are anticipated to offer more capacity, expanded coverage and additional throughput.

In a LinkedIn post, Badyal added:
"More specs to come, but thanks to Chairman Brendan Carr and the rest of the Federal Communications Commission for approval and helping the US continue to lead the way in low Earth orbit."

The upgraded constellation is expected to support high-speed services, including satellite TV and 5G connectivity, using Ku-band and V-band frequencies.

Satellite Deployment Plan and FCC Deadlines

Orbit and Launch Requirements

The next batch of Amazon’s satellites will operate at altitudes of up to 400 miles. As part of the authorisation, the FCC has imposed phased deployment deadlines:

• 50% of the approved satellites must be launched by February 10, 2032

• The remaining satellites must be deployed by February 10, 2035

These milestones are designed to ensure timely utilisation of orbital and spectrum resources.

Amazon Seeks Extension for First-Generation Satellites

Launch Delays and Rocket Shortages

Separately, Amazon has requested an extension from the FCC regarding the deployment deadline for 1,600 first-generation satellites. The company cited rocket shortages and other delays beyond its control as reasons for missing the original timeline.

Amazon has asked the FCC to move the July 2026 cutoff to July 2028 or waive the requirement entirely. As of now, the FCC has not issued a decision on this request.

Massive Investment and Growing Competition With Starlink

Amazon has already invested $10 billion into its satellite internet initiative and plans to spend an additional $1 billion on its Leo constellation this year. The company aims to challenge SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently has over 9,000 satellites in orbit and serves about 9 million customers worldwide.

Further expanding its launch schedule, an Arianespace rocket is set to launch 32 additional satellites this Thursday as part of the next Amazon Leo mission.

What This Means for the Satellite Internet Market

Amazon’s expanded FCC approval underscores the intensifying competition in the LEO satellite internet space. With improved capacity, broader coverage, and advanced frequency support, Amazon’s Leo constellation is poised to become a serious alternative to existing satellite broadband providers, potentially reshaping global internet access in the coming decade.