What is Amazon LEO, UK formerly Project Kuiper
- Andrew Pye
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Amazon LEO name change
Amazon’s satellite internet initiative, previously known as Project Kuiper, was officially rebranded to Amazon Leo on November 13, 2025.
The primary reason for the change is that “Project Kuiper” was always intended as a temporary internal code name from the project’s early days (inspired by the distant Kuiper Belt in the outer solar system). As the program matured—with successful prototype tests, production satellite launches starting in 2025, and over 150 satellites in orbit—Amazon transitioned to a permanent, consumer-facing brand.
“Amazon Leo” is a direct reference to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the region where the constellation of more than 3,200 satellites operates (between about 590–630 km altitude). This name better highlights the technology powering the network for low-latency broadband, making it simpler and more descriptive than the astronomical code name.
The rebrand also coincides with Amazon’s shift toward commercial rollout (planned for 2026), including new customer terminals (Leo Nano, Pro, and Ultra) and partnerships with enterprises like airlines and governments. Some observers note it aligns with an evolving focus on broader commercial and business applications, though the core mission of expanding global internet access remains unchanged.
Why choose Amazon Leo
As of December 30, 2025, Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) is not yet commercially available for residential or most business users in the UK—it’s in an enterprise preview phase with limited testing, and wider rollout (including consumer access) is planned for 2026, starting potentially as early as Q1 in the UK (along with the US, Canada, France, and Germany). Initial coverage may exclude far northern Scotland, with fuller UK deployment building throughout the year.
Starlink, on the other hand, is fully operational across nearly all of the UK (except the very far north of Scotland), with immediate availability, proven reliability, and over 100,000 UK customers.
Key Comparison for UK Users (Current Status)
Why You Might Choose Amazon Leo (Once Available)
• Potentially higher speeds (up to 1 Gbps claimed) and more affordable pricing/terminals, thanks to Amazon’s manufacturing scale.
• Better integration with Amazon services or ecosystems for some users.
• Increased competition could pressure Starlink to improve prices/speeds further.
• Focus on enterprise/government needs might translate to robust options for businesses.
Why Starlink Is the Clear Choice Right Now in the UK
If you need reliable satellite internet today—especially in rural or underserved areas—Starlink is the only viable LEO option. It’s mature, widely used, and delivers consistent performance comparable to urban broadband for most users.
Amazon Leo looks promising as a strong competitor in 2026, but waiting means no service until then. If your current connection is inadequate, Starlink remains the practical choice. You can always switch later if Leo proves superior. For updates on Amazon Leo availability, sign up on their official site.
When the time comes you may need a professional installation of your Amazon Leo system with 4 years of professional installations under our belts of the Starlink system including network intergration into existing networks head over to the UKs number 1