Amazon has officially launched its Project Kuiper satellite internet service, aiming to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas worldwide.
The first batch of Kuiper satellites was successfully deployed earlier this year, and initial testing has shown promising results in terms of speed and reliability.
Project Kuiper, which aims to deploy over 3,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, is Amazon’s answer to SpaceX’s Starlink. The service is expected to offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps, with low latency suitable for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. Amazon plans to start offering commercial service in select regions by late 2024, with a global rollout anticipated by 2026.
Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, emphasized the importance of closing the digital divide and providing equitable internet access to all. Project Kuiper is also set to support Amazon’s cloud services, enhancing connectivity for AWS customers in remote areas. This ambitious project represents a significant step forward in global internet infrastructure, promising to bring connectivity to millions of people currently without reliable internet access.
