Amazon plans to build a satellite network for high-speed internet
Amazon is planning to build a network of more than 3,000 satellites federal filings reveal, in an ambitious attempt to provide global internet access.
Known as Project Kuiper, the move represents the latest space ambition from Jeff Bezos. Amazon has previously announced its cloud business will build a network of satellite facilities on Earth and Bezos’ space venture Blue Origin continues to move closer to launching space tourists.
“Project Kuiper is a new initiative to launch a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world,” an Amazon spokesperson told CNBC in an emailed statement.
“This is a long-term project that envisions serving tens of millions of people who lack basic access to broadband internet. We look forward to partnering on this initiative with companies that share this common vision.”
Amazon’s proposal is for a network of 3,236 satellites. Building, launching and operating the satellites will require intensive capital, likely billions of dollars. But Bezos has already been funding Blue Origin with upwards of $1 billion a year and Amazon itself remains one of the world’s most valuable companies.
Kuiper is the name of a belt of objects that include asteroids and dwarf planets. It was named for the late Dutch American astronomer Gerard Kuiper.
More Amazon news
Amazon continues to ban Chinese sellers
50000 Chinese seller accounts have disappeared from Amazon More than 50000 Chinese seller accounts have been banned on Amazon due to pay-for-praise and other policy violations In May Amazon shuttered some of its largest sellers from China over violations of platform...
New Amazon “FBA Liquidations” and “FBA Grade and Resell” programs
New Amazon FBA programs give unsold inventory new life Amazon has introduced “FBA Liquidations” and “FBA Grade and Resell” programs to help merchants resell customer-returned or overstocked items. Once fully implemented, the programs are expected to save more than 300...
5 main reasons shipping costs from China will continue to rise
Logistics problems with "Made in China" products Covid-19 pandemic has led to drastic inflation in shipping costs and delays for goods purchased from China. Let’s go through the main factors that cause this havoc: Severe congestion at largest US ports Online shopping...