Amazon is accelerating its push into the satellite internet race. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Amazon’s plan to deploy 4,500 additional low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This takes its total planned constellation to around 7,700 satellites, strengthening its bid to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.

Amazon has already launched more than 150 satellites since April. It aims to begin offering global satellite internet services under its Leo project later this year. The expanded constellation will support wider global coverage, including polar regions. Moreover, it will operate across additional frequency bands.

According to Rajeev Badyal, Vice President of Technology for Amazon Leo, the second-generation (Gen 2) satellites are expected to deliver higher capacity, broader coverage, and greater throughput than Gen 1. In a LinkedIn post, he thanked the FCC for the approval. He called it a step that helps the US maintain leadership in LEO technology.

The upgraded network will also enable high-speed services such as satellite TV and 5G using Ku-band and V-band spectrum. The next batch of satellites will operate at altitudes of up to 400 miles.

Under FCC conditions, Amazon must launch 50% of the newly approved satellites by 10th February, 2032. The remaining half must be launched by 10th February, 2035.

At the same time, Amazon has asked the FCC to extend the deadline for deploying 1,600 first-generation satellites, citing rocket shortages and launch delays. The company has requested that the July 2026 deadline be pushed to July 2028 or waived. However, the FCC has not yet made a decision.

Amazon has already invested $10 billion in its satellite internet initiative. It plans to spend an additional $1 billion on the Leo constellation this year. The company will compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink. Starlink has more than 9,000 satellites in orbit and around 9 million users.

Meanwhile, an Arianespace rocket is set to launch 32 more Amazon satellites this Thursday as part of the next Leo mission.

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