Amazon's satellite internet project just hit a critical threshold. With its latest launch, Project Kuiper now has 396 satellites in low-Earth orbit, enough to support continuous service across initial latitudes, according to Chris Weber, VP of business and product. This puts the company on track for its mid-2026 commercial launch target.

Early service will likely mirror SpaceX's initial rollout. Starlink launched its beta in 2020 with nearly 900 satellites, serving a narrow band of users in the northern US and Canada who experienced frequent disruptions and speeds of 50-150Mbps. Performance improved dramatically by 2022 as the constellation expanded. Amazon's early adopters should expect similar growing pains before service stabilizes.

The scale difference is stark. SpaceX now operates over 10,000 satellites across 160+ countries, delivering median download speeds around 200Mbps. Amazon plans 3,232 satellites total but trails significantly. Launch delays partly stem from Jeff Bezos struggling to get Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket operational.

Project Kuiper enters a market where Starlink already serves millions globally. Amazon needs its full constellation to match current performance, making the mid-2026 timeline ambitious given ongoing launch vehicle challenges.