Amazon Takes On Starlink With First Kuiper Internet Satellites

After years of waiting, Amazon has finally launched its Kuiper internet satellites. The tech giant launched its first 27 satellites into low-Earth orbit from Florida on Monday, kicking off deployment of a broadband-from-space network.

Its a big bet that pits it against telecoms providers around the globe as well as Elon Musks Starlink. These are the first of over 3,200 satellites Amazon plans to launch for Project Kuiper, a 10 billion dollar effort.

Like Starlink, Amazon has positioned Kuiper as a boon to rural areas where connectivity is sparse or doesnt exist. The launch of its first satellites, originally planned for early 2024, was delayed by over a year.

US regulators want half the satellites launched by the middle of next year, but given delays so far, experts think Amazon might request an extension.

Project Kuiper has had a late start in the market for space, which is dominated by Musks SpaceX. Amazon believes its product and cloud experience will give it an edge over Starlink.