Amazon set to launch 3,236 satellites to beam affordable Internet

SEATTLE: In a direct competition to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Amazon has won approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy and operate its constellation of 3,236 satellites to beam affordable Internet services.

The authorization allows Amazon's 'Project Kuiper' to deliver satellite-based broadband services in the US, helping expand internet access to households and communities across the country, the company said in a statement.

Amazon will spend $10 billion on Project Kuiper.

The investment will create jobs and infrastructure around the US, build and scale ground networks, accelerate satellite testing and manufacturing, and deliver "an affordable customer terminal that will make fast, reliable broadband accessible to communities around the world".

The company is opening a research facility in Redmond, Washington, where the satellites will be designed and tested.

"We have heard so many stories lately about people who are unable to do their job or complete schoolwork because they don't have reliable internet at home," said Dave Limp, Senior Vice President, Amazon.

"There are still too many places where broadband access is unreliable or where it doesn't exist at all. Kuiper will change that," he added.

Project Kuiper will deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband service to places beyond the reach of traditional fiber or wireless networks. It will serve individual households, as well as schools, hospitals, businesses and other organizations operating in places without reliable broadband. (IANS) 

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