Amazon Leo, Amazon’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband initiative, is rapidly expanding its global footprint as it prepares to deliver high-speed internet services to underserved regions worldwide. 

Speaking at the IAFI Space Policy Conference 2026, Chris Hofer, Head of International Spectrum Management and Strategy, revealed that the company has already deployed nearly 400 satellites into orbit and is manufacturing more than 15 satellites every week. 

He highlighted the remarkable progress since the project began in 2019, describing its transformation from an early concept into one of the world’s fastest-growing satellite broadband networks.

India remains a major priority for Amazon Leo due to its strong digital ecosystem and the continued need to improve internet access in rural and remote areas. 

Hofer said the company aims to introduce greater competition in the broadband market while connecting millions of unserved users with reliable, low-latency internet. Before commercial services can begin, Amazon Leo is awaiting regulatory approvals, including a GMPCS licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and authorization from IN-SPACe. 

As of January 2026, the DoT confirmed that Amazon Kuiper Services India Private Limited’s licence application remains under examination, while the company continues to engage with Indian regulators through multiple policy submissions.

The company has invested more than $10 billion in building its global satellite network, which commenced large-scale satellite deployment in April 2025. Alongside expanding its constellation, Amazon Leo is strengthening its ground infrastructure and customer terminals to support commercial rollouts. 

In recent regulatory filings, the company also advocated for satellite broadband to be recognized as a backhaul technology under the PM-WANI framework, arguing that its low-latency network can deliver fibre-like performance without requiring extensive terrestrial fibre deployment.

Beyond broadband, Amazon Leo is developing direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity that will eventually enable compatible smartphones to access voice, messaging, and data services via satellite through partnerships with mobile network operators. 

As competition intensifies with players such as Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio Space Fibre, Amazon Leo is positioning itself as a significant contender in India’s fast-growing satellite communications market.

Feeling overwhelmed by the markets? Let Tradz by EquityPandit be your guide. Our user-friendly app simplifies complex data and provides actionable trading signals. Download the app today and trade with confidence!