Amazon Leo – that’s the name for what was Project Kuiper, the new satellite internet system

Amazon has been working on a low-earth orbit Satellite system for some seven years, and as a sign of their readiness for a full public launch they’ve announced the product name – Amazon Leo.

Originally called “Project Kuiper” a name inspired by a ring of asteroids in the outer solar system known as the Kuiper Belt, the permanent name isn’t some marketing inspired name, it’s really quite simple – Leo, as Amazon says “a simple nod to the low Earth orbit satellite constellation” that is the basis of the Kuiper, now Leo network.

Many might say this is too little too late with Elon Musk’s Starlink already in full operation, but in reality while Starlink has done very well in regional Australia, it’s only scratching the surface of the potential user base.

Next year Amazon Leo will power up to 300,000 homes via the NBN, operating as part of the NBN network for those particular homes.

But for everyone in Australia, no matter where you live, Amazon Leo will be a retail internet offering you could choose.

Why I think Amazon Leo has such potential is the variety they offer, looking to serve both businesses and homes, with several different “Dishes” which each offer different speeds.

From 100mbps speeds up to 1GBps, while Starlink has a single dish and speed option.

Plus, are you going to bet against the power of Amazon marketing? Not me.

2026 will be the year of Amazon Leo in Australia, I’m certain.