French Court Clears Amazon Leo Satellite Internet

A French court has rejected a union challenge, authorizing Amazon to offer its Leo satellite internet service in the country. The decision allows the Starlink competitor to proceed after the telecommunications regulator previously granted frequency rights.

French justice rejects union appeal against Amazon Leo. The Council of State dismissed the CFE-CGC union's request to annul the Arcep decision from July 2025 that permitted Amazon to use frequencies for a fixed satellite service open to the public. The authorization runs for 10 years.

The union had argued insufficient public consultation along with infringements on employment, public safety, fair competition and the environment. The court ruled the union is not directly affected by the authorization and has not demonstrated sufficient interest to challenge it.

Amazon Leo enters French market as Starlink alternative. Credible reports indicate Amazon’s initial satellite internet service is expected later in 2026 once the satellite count supports it. In France, the offering targets areas not covered by fiber or ADSL, where users typically select an internet service provider and then choose from available plans.

The service, formerly known as Project Kuiper, will be able to establish itself in the coming months. It joins a market long associated with Starlink and its roughly 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.

Tests underway in the United States. Amazon has 390 satellites currently in orbit for initial tests. The price of the internet subscription and the necessary equipment remains unknown.