Amazon Home Internet Service is Amazon’s Project Kuiper is a new home internet service that the company has been developing, and the tech giant has recently shared some details about it. The project involves launching over 3,000 satellites into low-earth orbit to provide internet access to homes and businesses worldwide.
Amazon has partnered with aerospace firms like ULA, Arianespace, and Blue Origin to launch the satellites into space, and it plans to build them in Kirkland, Washington. The satellites will orbit between 590 and 630 kilometers above the earth’s surface, making them closer to the ground than previous satellite internet services, which means they can deliver faster speeds and lower latency.
The project’s goal is to provide fast, affordable internet to people living in rural areas where traditional internet service providers may not reach. The service is expected to have three-speed options: Standard, Pro, and Portable. The Standard version comes with an 11-inch square antenna that offers speeds of up to 400 Mbps down, which is ideal for homes. The Pro version, which has an 11 by 30-inch antenna, can provide speeds of up to 1 Gbps, making it perfect for companies or large households. The Portable version, which is only 7 inches square, provides speeds of up to 100 Mbps and is ideal for those who need to travel frequently.
While Amazon has not yet announced pricing details for the service, the company has committed to offering affordable internet. Reports suggest that the price may be at or below $100 per month, which is significantly lower than some other satellite internet providers’ prices. Amazon’s commitment to low prices is evident in its popular, low-cost devices like the Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick. The company plans to offer different service offerings and pricing options in each region, depending on customers’ needs.
The Project Kuiper launch is expected to take place in early 2023, and Amazon has until mid-2026 to have 1,600 satellites in space or risk losing FCC approval for the project. The launch of this service could have significant implications for cord-cutters, as more options for home internet become available. Studies have shown that as more internet service providers enter the market, pricing decreases, and data caps are lifted. While it may take a few years for the network to become fully built out, the potential benefits of this new service are promising.