Amazon’s rival to Starlink’s satellite internet is set to launch next year. But don’t expect it to arrive with global coverage.
Although Amazon Leo will initially serve most of the planet, the upcoming satellite constellation features a notable gap in coverage for much of Alaska, parts of Canada and northern Europe.
That’s because Leo’s first-generation constellation —comprising over 3,200 satellites— will only provide coverage 56 degrees north and south of the equator, Amazon told PCMag.
(AWS re:Invent 2025 )
Earlier this month, the company hinted at the coverage limitation in a presentation, which included a slide showing where the satellite internet system won’t initially be available. On Sunday, the company’s rocket partner, United Launch Alliance, also tweeted about the subject, but specifically noted the “56 degrees north and south of the equator” coverage area.
Where the 56 degree north latitude line cuts off. (Google Earth)
On Monday, Amazon confirmed ULA’s tweet, but noted the company is planning to eventually supply global coverage, including the polar regions, through Leo. To do so, the company is preparing a second-generation satellite constellation for Leo that’ll be even larger at 7,774 satellites. Back in 2021, Amazon filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission about the second-generation network, which is still facing regulatory review.
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Despite the coverage gap, a look at a map shows Amazon Leo will still be able to serve across the continental US, along with all of South America, Africa and most of Asia. Still, it’s clear the company faces an uphill battle with SpaceX’s Starlink, which is already serving over 8 million users across the globe by harnessing over 9,000 satellites.
The coverage areas for Amazon Leo based on the ’56 degrees north and south of the equator’ limits. (Google Earth)
In contrast, Amazon’s Leo currently spans about 150 first-generation satellites, and will also need to secure regulatory permission in various foreign markets before offering service. A company executive has previously said Leo is targeting a potential launch to customers in Q1, although pricing for consumers remains unclear.
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About Our Expert
Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
Experience
I’ve been a journalist for over 15 years. I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017, where I cover satellite internet services, cybersecurity, PC hardware, and more. I’m currently based in San Francisco, but previously spent over five years in China, covering the country’s technology sector.
Since 2020, I’ve covered the launch and explosive growth of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, writing 600+ stories on availability and feature launches, but also the regulatory battles over the expansion of satellite constellations, fights with rival providers like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and the effort to expand into satellite-based mobile service. I’ve combed through FCC filings for the latest news and driven to remote corners of California to test Starlink’s cellular service.
I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware. Earlier this year, the FTC forced Avast to pay consumers $16.5 million for secretly harvesting and selling their personal information to third-party clients, as revealed in my joint investigation with Motherboard.
I also cover the PC graphics card market. Pandemic-era shortages led me to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000. I’m now following how President Trump’s tariffs will affect the industry. I’m always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send me tips.
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