▾Amazon is entering the world of satellite internet with Project Kuiper, promising high-speed connectivity even to remote areas. With more than 3,200 satellites in Earth's orbit, it aims to compete with SpaceX's Starlink and others. How fast will Amazon's internet be? How much will it cost, and when will it be available?
The online retail giant, Amazon, is embarking on a new ambitious project—satellite internet. The project named Kuiper promises high-speed internet connectivity even to remote areas, aiming to compete with Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat. When will the project launch, and how fast can we expect the internet to be?
What exactly is Project Kuiper and how will it work?
Imagine a sky dotted with thousands of small satellites transmitting internet data to your computer. That's precisely how Project Kuiper is supposed to work. Amazon plans to launch over 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit, covering even the most remote corners of the planet with signal.
These satellites will communicate with ground stations and client terminals, which those interested in satellite internet will have to purchase. Amazon is developing its own technologies for Project Kuiper, including special antennas and chips to ensure the most efficient and fastest data transfer. The company is also collaborating with several firms to secure rocket launches to deploy the satellites into orbit.
How fast will the internet from space be?
According to information from Amazon, we can expect speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to a staggering 1 Gbps. This is comparable to the fastest available fixed broadband technologies. Amazon promises that Kuiper will offer sufficient capacity for high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and other demanding internet activities.
However, the actual speed will vary depending on several factors such as the user's location, weather, network load, and more.
How much will Amazon's satellite internet cost?
Amazon currently promises to strive for the most affordable prices possible. Given the ambitious plan and competitive environment, it's expected that the price will play a key role in the fight for customers.
Amazon has so far introduced three different client terminals, which will vary in size, performance, and probably price. The smallest terminal will be intended for ordinary households, while the largest and most powerful device is aimed at businesses and organizations with high internet connectivity demands.
When will Kuiper be available?
The first test satellites were successfully launched into space back in 2023, with the full service launch planned for 2024. If all goes well, we'll soon have the opportunity to experience how Amazon's internet from space works.
Overall, Kuiper is an ambitious project that has the potential to significantly alter the internet connectivity market. If Amazon manages to deliver on promises of high speed, availability, and relatively low prices, it could become a strong competitor for existing internet providers.
RCS messages: what they are, how they work, and when it's better to turn them off
RCS chat is appearing more frequently in mobile devices, especially with the arrival of iOS 18 and the gradual phasing out of older networks. It is a method of communication that uses the internet, offering higher quality sharing of photos and videos than traditional SMS. We'll explain what RCS means and when it makes sense to keep it enabled.
12 steps to prepare a child for their first phone
A first mobile phone can make a child's communication and daily orientation easier, but it also opens topics that are good to address in advance. These include safety, sharing, communication, or screen time. How to prepare a child for their first phone so that they use it safely, calmly, and wisely?
Autonomous vehicles around the world: How close are we to regular driverless operation?
Cities around the world are seeing an increase in autonomous vehicles as part of their transportation systems. However, their reliability varies significantly by region. We will explore where this technology is already commonly transporting passengers and what autonomous driving means in practice today.
Introducing Auracast - the biggest advancement in Bluetooth listening in recent years
Listening to a movie or playlist on multiple headphones has always been difficult. Auracast offers the ability to play the same audio to multiple people without pairing or special accessories. It can be used at home with TV, on trips, and in places with poorly audible announcements. In the article, we will show how this innovation works in practice and when we will start encountering it regularly.
Lost signal? A satellite phone won't leave you disconnected
Losing signal in the middle of the mountains or on the open sea no longer has to mean a loss of connection to the world. A satellite phone works even where regular mobile networks end. In the article, you'll learn how the device connects via satellites, what types of networks exist, how much calls cost, and why satellite communication is becoming more accessible for ordinary users.
Leaked passwords: How to find out if someone has obtained your data
Data breaches happen all the time and can affect anyone. Even strong login credentials can appear in the database of leaked passwords circulating on the internet. In the article, you will learn how to perform a password check using verified tools and find out if someone has gained access to your accounts.