Amazon to Launch Its own Broadband Satellites Called Project Kuiper

Amazon is seeking FCC approval to put 3,236 interconnected broadband satellites into orbit in order to keep it up with its competitors.

GeekWire were the first to report Amazon’s idea called Project Kuiper and last week Amazon filed a paperwork with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in which they requested approval to launch their satelites into space.

In their filing, Amazon said that around 3.8 billion people on Earth still do not have access to broadband internet and more than 21.3 million Americans do not have access to fixed broadband.

“The Kuiper System will deliver satellite broadband communications services to tens of millions of unserved and underserved consumers and businesses in the U.S. and around the globe,’’ wrote Amazon in the application. They also said that the system will provide high-throughput mobile broadband connectivity services for aircraft, maritime vessels and land vehicles and that they have the expertise, infrastructure and financial resources required to make the project a success, but they are looking to integrate the system within its pre-existing infrastructure, including its Amazon Web Services.

In the FCC application they also wrote:

“The effective implementation of global broadband services requires more than the design, construction, and deployment of a technologically advanced satellite system, low-cost customer terminals, and gateways. It also requires worldwide terrestrial network infrastructure and customer operations capabilities. Amazon sells products and services to hundreds of millions of customers today via physical and online stores, entertainment content streaming, design and manufacturing of consumer electronic devices, and leading public cloud computing web services. Amazon also has global terrestrial networking and computer infrastructure required for the Kuiper System, including intercontinental fiber links, data centers, computer/edge compute capabilities and the tools, techniques, and know-how to securely and efficiently transport data. Amazon will leverage its resources and capabilities to develop, implement, and interconnect the Kuiper System and terrestrial networks to delight customers.’’