Amazon receives FCC deadline extension for Leo satellite broadband constellation

The US Federal Communications Commission has waived Amazon's July 30, 2026 deadline that required half of its Leo satellite broadband constellation to be in orbit. The waiver removes the 50 percent milestone but retains the overall target of having the full first‑generation network of 3,232 authorized satellites operational by July 30, 2029. The decision, announced on June 5, was justified as serving the public interest by preserving competition with SpaceX’s Starlink service.

Amazon, which has invested more than $10 billion in the project, cited launch‑vehicle delays and design changes as reasons for the request. The FCC noted that Amazon will lose priority status for any launches after July 31, 2026 and must demonstrate that the Leo system will not interfere with other operators. The regulator also approved an expanded authorization that could bring the total number of Leo satellites to nearly 7,800, relying on launches from United Launch Alliance, ArianeSpace and Blue Origin’s New Glenn rockets. The extension gives Amazon additional time to deploy the network, which it plans to commercialize by the end of the year.