Amazon is preparing to enter the UK internet market with its satellite broadband service through its ambitious Project Kuiper. The initiative aims to provide high-speed connectivity, even in remote areas, by launching a constellation of 3,000 small satellites within the next two years to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
To support its satellite internet rollout, Amazon plans to seek access to British radio frequencies. The company intends to make satellite broadband accessible via terminals and direct-to-device services, which could connect smartphones directly to satellites, broadening access in the UK internet market.
Project Kuiper’s satellites will operate in low-Earth orbit, offering continuous coverage without the delays associated with geostationary satellites. While Starlink currently dominates the market with 6,000 satellites and 4 million customers, Amazon’s entry promises more competition in the UK internet market.
Amazon is collaborating with UK regulator Ofcom to explore opportunities for using radio spectrum across frequencies allocated for terrestrial mobile services. Ofcom is consulting on direct-to-device services, which Amazon aims to make available to consumers as early as this year. These services could also support secure communication for government, defense, and emergency response sectors.
Despite initial plans to launch its first commercial satellites in late 2024, Amazon now expects to begin their rollout early this year, following successful prototype launches in 2023.
