Amazon's Satellite Internet Service Set to Launch in Germany by Early 2026
Amazon is poised to introduce its satellite internet service, a competitor to Starlink, in Germany by early 2026. This launch is part of a broader rollout that will also include the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. According to a recent announcement from Amazon executive Ricky Freeman in Paris, the company aims to deploy 200 Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit by the end of this year, facilitating the first user access to its satellite internet service.
By the end of 2026, Amazon plans to expand its service to as many as 26 countries, with aspirations to reach the equator by 2027. Ultimately, the company anticipates providing service in between 88 and 100 countries by 2028, supported by a fleet of over 3,000 satellites.
Since August, Amazon has successfully launched more than 100 satellites for the Project Kuiper initiative, with almost half of those launches executed using SpaceX rockets. Four additional launches are scheduled for this year, including one with an Ariane 6 rocket. The goal is to establish a satellite internet system capable of competing with the established leader, Starlink, which has been operational in numerous countries worldwide for several years.
Starlink is reportedly generating revenue comparable to its operational costs, though it has faced challenges in growing its user base and overall revenue. The service has also demonstrated significant strategic value, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine.
Despite earlier delays in the development of Project Kuiper, progress is now being made according to the original timeline. However, meeting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirement to launch half of the planned 3,200 satellites by July 2026 appears unlikely. Recently, Amazon disclosed that Project Kuiper has achieved download speeds exceeding one gigabit per second in testing, with operational speeds expected to reach a maximum of 400 Mbps, comparable to those offered by Starlink.