Amazon to Launch Satellite Internet Service in India, Challenging Jio and Airtel

Vishal Shukla December 22, 2023

Amazon is gearing up to launch its satellite-based internet service, ‘Project Kuiper,’ in India, in a move set to rival Jio and Airtel.

The company has initiated the process of seeking licenses from various government departments, aiming to provide satellite broadband connectivity to rural and remote regions across the country.

Amazon plans to deploy approximately 3,236 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in the near future, ensuring internet access reaches every corner of India.

Regulatory Approval in Progress

As reported by The Economic Times, Amazon has submitted an application to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to introduce satellite internet services in India.

Pending approval of the application, Amazon will proceed with regulatory clearance.

Furthermore, the company will need a Global Mobile Personal Communication (GMPCS) license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to launch Project Kuiper in India.

High-Speed Internet for All

Amazon is expected to offer internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps, making ‘affordable broadband’ accessible nationwide, including areas currently lacking internet connectivity.

Project Kuiper’s Ambitious Satellite Fleet

Amazon’s Project Kuiper is designed to deliver internet services through a constellation of 3,236 LEO satellites, though they have not been launched yet.

The company anticipates launching half of these satellites by 2026. This initiative is poised to not only revolutionize internet access but also potentially boost Amazon’s e-commerce and Prime Video services.

Competition in Satellite Internet Sector

Amazon joins a competitive field in the satellite internet sector in India. Elon Musk’s Starlink has made similar efforts, initially offering pre-booking for satellite internet service.

Meanwhile, OneWeb and Jio Satellite have secured GMPCS licenses from the government.

Pricing and Availability

While the company has yet to disclose the pricing structure for Amazon’s satellite internet service, its introduction will mark a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in India, offering connectivity to underserved regions.