FCC Grants Amazon Waiver for Satellite Constellation Deadline

The Federal Communications Commission granted Amazon a conditional waiver removing the requirement to deploy 50% of its Leo satellite constellation—1,616 satellites—by July 30, 2026. The agency stated the move serves the public interest by promoting a second large satellite broadband provider to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. While the 2026 milestone is waived, the final deadline to deploy the full 3,232-satellite constellation by July 30, 2029, remains unchanged.

As a condition of the reprieve, Amazon loses priority status for any Gen1 satellites launched after July 30 in the Ka, Ku, and V-band spectrums. This restriction lasts until March 30, 2028, or until the 50% milestone is met, requiring Amazon to ensure newer satellites do not interfere with rivals. Amazon attributed its deployment delays to design changes and launch vehicle shortages, citing issues with the United Launch Alliance Vulcan and a May 28 explosion of a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket during a static fire test in Florida.

SpaceX opposed the waiver, alleging special treatment and claiming Amazon has launched satellites at altitudes exceeding 450 kilometers in violation of orbital debris rules. Amazon denied these claims, asserting compliance with its license. Despite these challenges, Amazon and Arianespace have scheduled the Leo Europe 3 mission for June 17, 2026, from French Guiana to deploy 36 satellites using upgraded P160C boosters.