Amazon's $10B SAT Broadband Internet Network
Global Broadband Internet Access
Source: NASA Satellite Constellations
Amazon Competing Against Space X
Amazon is investing $10 billion to build a network of 3,236 satellites to provide high speed, broadband internet services to people around the world, including those who lack access. The announcement comes within a day of Amazon posting the biggest profits in its 26 year history.
FCC Approval for the Satellite System
The Federal Communications Commission just gave Amazon approval for its Project Kuiper for a constellation of low earth orbit satellites. The Amazon satellite network is in direct competition with SpaceX's Starlink. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has already launched more than 500 satellites into low earth orbit to provide inexpensive global internet access. He plans for a system of 12,000 satellites. Starlink will start offering broadband services to the US and Canada by the end of this year.
Crowded Skies
Amazon says its system will also benefit wireless carriers offering 5G and other wireless services to new areas around the world. Amazon expects to offer broadband services once 578 satellites are launched, The FCC is requiring Amazon to launch half of its 3,236 satellites by 2026 and the rest by mid-2029. Space is getting more and more crowded with constellations of satellites to greatly widen internet access and bring down the cost to consumers and businesses.
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