Amazon satellite broadband UK: Project Kuiper aims to deliver internet and mobile coverage to remote areas

Amazon satellite broadband UK: The tech giant is set to revolutionize connectivity in remote areas with its ambitious Project Kuiper. By launching a network of small satellites into low-Earth orbit, Amazon aims to provide reliable internet and mobile coverage across the UK within the next two years.

This move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently dominates the satellite internet market. Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, boasts an extensive network of 6,000 satellites and over 4 million global customers. Its terminals have even proven crucial in conflict zones like Ukraine.

Amazon’s regulatory filings with Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, reveal the company’s intent to secure access to British radio frequencies for its operations. The filings highlight plans to initially deploy small terminals for connectivity, similar to Starlink’s model, with future ambitions to offer direct-to-device services. This cutting-edge technology could allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing traditional ground-based infrastructure.

Ofcom is expected to consult on these proposals within the coming months, with Amazon aiming to bring direct-to-device services to market as early as this year. Beyond consumer use, the service could provide secure communication options for government, defence, and emergency response sectors.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper envisions a network of 3,000 small satellites orbiting less than 1,000km (620 miles) from Earth’s surface. These low-Earth orbit satellites are capable of offering continuous coverage without the latency issues common in traditional geostationary satellites stationed 35,000km away.

While Amazon has faced delays in launching its first commercial satellites, initial prototypes were successfully sent into orbit in 2023. The company now plans to accelerate its efforts, aiming to catch up with Starlink’s established lead.

In parallel, Jeff Bezos’s space exploration company, Blue Origin, is preparing to debut its new reusable rocket, New Glenn. Named after John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth, the rocket could compete directly with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, which has dramatically reduced launch costs and set new industry benchmarks.

Amazon has also urged Ofcom to grant satellite providers access to radio spectrum across all frequencies currently allocated for terrestrial mobile services. The company assures that this integration will not interfere with existing mobile networks, aiming to ensure a seamless rollout of its services.

Amazon’s entry into the UK satellite broadband market could address longstanding connectivity issues, particularly in rural and remote regions where traditional infrastructure struggles to reach. If successful, the initiative could provide a vital boost to digital inclusion, bridging the gap for underserved communities.

The global race to deploy low-Earth orbit satellite constellations has intensified in recent years, with major tech players vying for dominance. Beyond Starlink and Project Kuiper, other competitors such as OneWeb are also striving to stake their claim in this burgeoning industry.

Amazon’s move reflects its broader ambition to expand beyond e-commerce and cloud services, leveraging its resources to challenge established players in new markets. With Project Kuiper poised to launch thousands of satellites and Blue Origin pushing the boundaries of reusable rocket technology, Amazon is positioning itself as a formidable force in both the space and telecommunications sectors.

While the competition will be fierce, Amazon’s satellite broadband plans could reshape how the UK connects to the internet, bringing high-speed services to even the most isolated corners of the country.