Amazon‘s Project Kuiper is set to make a splash in the broadband arena as it gears up for the launch of its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. With over two dozen satellites expected to launch by mid-April, the project aims to kick off its service later this year, going head-to-head with the current LEO broadband leader, Starlink.
The ambitious plan includes over 3,200 satellites for Kuiper’s first-generation system, supported by arrangements for more than 80 launches. The KA-01 launch is scheduled for April 9, becoming “just the first step in that process,” according to Amazon.
Amazon’s offering promises high-speed, low-latency internet access to nearly any location globally. The service closely mirrors Starlink in its use of proprietary broadband technology. Having partnerships with telecom giants like Vodafone and Verizon, Kuiper is backed by significant industry players.
Rajeev Badyal, VP of Project Kuiper, remarked, “We’ve designed some of the most advanced communications satellites ever built.” This launch will be the first for their final satellite design, deploying numerous satellites simultaneously.
Following a prototype mission in 2023, Amazon has enhanced its upcoming satellites, improving phased array antennas, processors, and propulsion systems, among others. The company aims to learn and adapt with every mission to refine its services. After the satellite launch, Amazon plans to ramp up production and deployment rates quickly. The company forecasts a $10 billion investment in Kuiper.
However, Starlink is not far behind, expanding beyond traditional broadband. Noteworthy is its cellular direct-to-device partnership with T-Mobile US, currently in beta testing, and the potential for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) to enhance air travel connectivity.
United Airlines has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to test Starlink-based connectivity on its regional jets. The first commercial flight is slated for next month, promising Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 Mbps—significantly faster than current offerings.