Amazon Joins the Space Race in Satellite-Delivered Broadband

Amazon is throwing its hat in the ring, or better yet, into the stratosphere, to develop satellite-delivered broadband connectivity. Named “Project Kuiper,” the effort was discovered when Amazon submitted three sets of filings with the International Telecommunication Union last month by the FCC on behalf of Washington, D.C.-based Kuiper Systems LLC, reports GeekWire.

The ITU oversees worldwide satellite operations and would need to approve the constellation. The FCC has not yet taken action on the project.

According to the filings, Amazon plans to launch more than 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit. The satellites will provide "low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world," an Amazon spokesperson stated to GeekWire. “This is a long-term project that envisions serving tens of millions of people who lack basic access to broadband internet. We look forward to partnering on this initiative with companies that share this common vision.” Continue Reading