Amazon has officially entered the satellite internet race with the launch of 27 satellites under its ambitious Project Kuiper.
This major milestone took place on April 27, using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
What is Project Kuiper?
Project Kuiper is Amazon’s plan to deploy a constellation of 3,236 satellites to provide high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions of the world.
The goal is to launch full services by the end of 2025.
Speed and Affordability
Amazon claims that Kuiper will deliver internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, ideal for:
Video streaming
Work from home
Online education
To make the service more accessible, Amazon aims to price the user terminal (antenna + router) below $400 (approximately ₹34,000).
India Launch Plans
Amazon has applied to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India to get the required approvals. However, the launch date for India has not been confirmed yet.
Competition with Starlink
Amazon’s Kuiper is set to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which is already operational in:
The United States
Europe
Some parts of Asia
Amazon states that Kuiper will be more affordable, faster, and scalable, increasing the competition in the satellite internet sector.
