Amazon Opens Amazon Leo Testing to Businesses: A Bold Step in the Starlink Rivalry
Amazon is inviting businesses to beta-test its rebranded Amazon Leo satellite internet service, formerly Project Kuiper, as it ramps up competition with SpaceX’s Starlink. With 150+ satellites in orbit and a $10B investment, Leo promises gigabit speeds for remote connectivity—details on launch plans, pricing, and how it stacks up.
In a strategic push to challenge SpaceX’s dominance in satellite internet, Amazon announced on November 24, 2025, that businesses can now sign up for beta testing of its low-Earth orbit (LEO) service, rebranded earlier this month as Amazon Leo. The move comes as Amazon accelerates deployments, with over 150 satellites already in orbit and plans for 3,236 total to deliver high-speed broadband to underserved areas worldwide. This testing phase targets enterprise users first, offering a glimpse into Leo’s potential to rival Starlink’s 9,000-satellite network.
Launched as Project Kuiper in 2019 with a $10 billion commitment, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide for consumers, governments, and businesses in remote or infrastructure-poor regions. The rebrand to Amazon Leo—nodding to low-Earth orbit—signals a shift toward commercial rollout, expected in early 2026 across five initial markets, including the U.S.
From Project Kuiper to Amazon Leo: The Rebranding and Rollout Timeline
The name change, announced on November 13, 2025, drops the “project” moniker to emphasize readiness for prime time. “We’ve hit important milestones under that name, but there’s lots more on the horizon,” said VP Rajeev Badyal in a statement. Prototypes KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 launched in 2023, demonstrating 4K streaming capabilities, followed by production batches starting April 28, 2025, via United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket.
Six launches to date, including three on SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets (72 satellites total), have built the constellation. Amazon has booked over 80 missions with providers like Arianespace, ULA, Blue Origin, and even SpaceX to hit full deployment by 2029. Regulatory wins, such as the UK’s Ofcom license in May 2025, pave the way for global expansion.
The beta for businesses focuses on reliability testing in real-world scenarios, like maritime or rural operations, ahead of consumer access.
Beta Testing Details: How Businesses Can Get Involved
Eligible enterprises can apply via Amazon’s new Leo website, where they’ll receive standard or high-performance antennas for trials. Three dish models cater to needs: a portable unit for mobile use, a standard residential/enterprise dish, and a high-end phased-array antenna supporting gigabit speeds. Early partners like Verizon (for hybrid satellite-cellular) and JetBlue (in-flight Wi-Fi) highlight enterprise appeal.
Testing emphasizes low-latency connectivity (under 100ms) and integration with AWS for cloud services. Amazon hasn’t disclosed beta costs, but it’s positioning Leo as affordable, though details await full launch. A companion mobile app and Wi-Fi router, recently FCC-approved, will manage connections.
- Key Testing Perks: Free hardware loans for select participants; data on speeds up to 1Gbps down/100Mbps up; focus on enterprise apps like IoT and remote work.
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses in underserved areas prioritized; applications open through Q1 2026.
Amazon Leo vs. Starlink: Head-to-Head Comparison
While Starlink leads with 8,600+ active satellites and service in 100+ countries, Leo’s AWS synergies could differentiate it for businesses. Both use LEO for low latency, but Amazon’s constellation orbits slightly higher (590km vs. Starlink’s 550km), potentially easing deorbiting.
| Feature | Amazon Leo | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
| Satellites in Orbit | 150+ (target: 3,236 by 2029) | 8,600+ (target: 42,000) |
| Speeds | Up to 1Gbps down (beta) | 50-500Mbps (residential) |
| Latency | <100ms | 20-40ms |
| Pricing (Est.) | TBD; emphasis on affordability | $120/mo + $599 hardware |
| Target Users | Enterprises, governments, consumers | Consumers, maritime, aviation |
| Unique Edge | AWS integration, phased-array tech | Reusable launches, global coverage |
Starlink’s head start—250 dedicated launches since 2019—gives it market share, but Leo’s $10B bet and partnerships could close the gap. Concerns like orbital debris affect both, with Amazon committing to self-deorbiting tech.
Broader Implications: Boosting Global Connectivity
Amazon Leo targets the 3 billion people without reliable internet, especially in regions like India and Africa. By competing with Starlink, OneWeb, and Telesat Lightspeed, it could drive down prices and spur innovation in hybrid networks. U.S. FCC mandates 50% deployment by July 2026 for licensing, pressuring Amazon to accelerate.
Experts see this as a “multiplayer game” in LEO broadband, potentially transforming remote work, disaster response, and e-commerce.
Amazon’s beta launch for businesses marks a pivotal leap for Leo, injecting urgency into the Starlink showdown. With testing underway and launches ramping, 2026 could see real competition lowering barriers to high-speed internet worldwide. For enterprises eyeing alternatives, now’s the time to apply—Amazon’s constellation is aligning for liftoff.
Sources: CNBC, PCMag, Reuters, The Verge, and SatelliteInternet.com (November 2025). For beta signup, visit Amazon Leo official site.