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The company aims to connect every inch of the nation with a mobile signal.
Amazon has revealed plans to deploy a satellite internet network capable of delivering high-speed broadband and mobile coverage within the next two years.
The US tech giant, in a regulatory filing with Ofcom first reported by the Sunday Telegraph, expressed its intention to deliver continuous mobile phone signal coverage to all areas of the UK, effectively eliminating “black spots” where service is currently unavailable.
Project Kuiper, Amazon’s endeavour to establish a satellite-based internet service, involves launching thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. The intention is to create a constellation analogous to SpaceX’s Starlink network.
SpaceX has successfully deployed a constellation of over 7,000 Starlink satellites, enabling high-speed internet access in 95 countries across the globe.
Amazon’s Ofcom filing indicates that the Kuiper System’s broadband communication service will facilitate dependable internet connectivity for a diverse range of institutions, including residences, educational establishments, healthcare facilities, libraries, and government offices, encompassing both fixed and mobile locations.
“We are committed to supporting critical missions, including disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping efforts, through our advanced communication services.”
“As innovative technologies continue to evolve, the emergence of additional spectrum bands will be crucial to accommodate the expanding capacity requirements of the Internet of Things and enterprise applications across a wide range of industries, including agriculture, medicine, finance, retail, and transportation.”
Similar to SpaceX’s Starlink program, Amazon’s Project Kuiper will commence by providing internet access to users through dedicated terminals, subsequently transitioning to direct connectivity for smartphones and other devices.
Ofcom has previously mentioned the possibility of direct-to-device connections becoming available sometime in 2025.
Amazon has successfully launched prototype satellites for its Project Kuiper initiative into space. These initial launches serve as crucial tests for the technology and design of the satellites that will ultimately form the backbone of Amazon’s global broadband network.
Building upon the valuable data and insights gathered from these prototype missions, Amazon is poised to launch its initial operational satellites in the next few months. This significant milestone marks a step towards the realization of Project Kuiper’s ambitious goal of providing high-speed internet access to underserved communities around the world.
