Amazon Project Kuiper Expands Affordable Satellite Broadband Access

Bringing broadband to remote and underserved regions has long been a costly and complex challenge. Traditional fiber networks require expensive infrastructure, and cable internet coverage is shrinking in some areas. While 5G home internet is growing, its performance heavily depends on proximity to towers and network congestion. Satellite internet offers a promising alternative, especially with the advent of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.

Unlike older geostationary satellite services such as HughesNet and Viasat, which have seen minimal improvements over the years, LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth, reducing latency and increasing speed potential. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has demonstrated that a large constellation of over 7,000 LEO satellites can deliver broadband with fewer data caps and better performance.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper enters this competitive space with an ambitious plan to deploy approximately 7,000 LEO satellites orbiting between 367 and 391 miles above Earth. Approved by the Federal Communications Commission in 2020, Project Kuiper aims to provide affordable, high-speed broadband to homes, businesses, government agencies, and institutions worldwide, especially in underserved areas.

The service will combine the satellite constellation with ground-based antennas, fiber connections, and customer terminals designed for accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Amazon claims the standard customer terminal can deliver speeds up to 400 megabits per second, significantly faster than Starlink’s typical 25 to 100 Mbps. Commercial terminals could reach speeds up to 1 gigabit per second.

Project Kuiper began launching satellites in October 2023, with two prototype satellites achieving a 100% success rate within 30 days. In April 2025, Amazon launched 27 additional satellites, marking a significant milestone toward commercial service. The company plans to start service demonstrations for enterprise customers in 2025, followed by consumer beta testing and general availability later that year.

Coverage will extend within 56 degrees north and south of the equator, including most of North America (excluding much of Alaska), South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe. However, availability will roll out regionally as more satellites are deployed, so not all areas will have immediate access at launch.

Amazon has secured launch agreements with multiple providers, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Arianespace, and ULA, ensuring a robust and diverse launch schedule. This multi-provider approach helps mitigate risks and accelerates deployment.

Project Kuiper represents a significant step toward closing the digital divide by delivering affordable, high-speed internet to areas traditionally left behind by conventional broadband infrastructure. As the service becomes available, it promises to empower rural communities, businesses, and public institutions with reliable connectivity.

With commercial service expected to launch in late 2025, the broadband landscape is poised for transformation. Amazon’s entry intensifies competition, potentially driving innovation and lowering costs across satellite internet services.