Amazon has enough satellites to launch its Starlink competitor

Amazon has deployed 396 Leo satellites in low-Earth orbit, reaching the threshold needed to launch continuous internet service and meet its mid-2026 commercial availability target. Early users should expect initial service limitations similar to Starlink's 2020 beta launch, with performance improving as Amazon deploys its planned 3,232 satellites—though the company remains behind schedule due to delays with Blue Origin's New Glenn launch vehicle. SpaceX's Starlink currently operates over 10,000 satellites with significantly better speeds and latency, meaning it will take years for Amazon to match that performance.