The UK telecom regulator Ofcom has approved Amazon’s Kuiper Systems to provide low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite broadband, setting the stage for competition with SpaceX’s Starlink, the industry leader. Starlink currently operates more than 7,000 satellites, while Kuiper has only two prototypes but plans major deployments soon. A key challenge for LEO networks is building optical inter-satellite links laser-based systems allowing satellites to communicate rapidly. Kuiper has successfully tested this technology, matching capabilities Starlink has used since 2021. Experts note that optical links offer high-speed, long-distance communication, although radio-frequency systems can still support basic service.
Despite its dominance, Starlink faces capacity limits and may only serve around 1 percent of U.S. households due to bandwidth constraints. LEO broadband is most valuable for rural and remote regions lacking fiber networks. Other players, including OneWeb and China’s planned mega-constellations, are preparing to expand as well. This rapid growth raises safety concerns. With active satellites possibly reaching 100,000 in the coming decade, the risk of collisions and orbital congestion increases. Starlink already performs tens of thousands of collision-avoidance maneuvers each year. Experts warn that without stronger cooperation and space-sustainability practices, the industry could push LEO toward dangerous overcrowding.