top of page
Search

Amazon Plans Satellite Internet Launch in India with Project Kuiper

What you need to Know

  • Amazon has applied for a GMPCS license from India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

  • Project Kuiper will use over 3,200 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for internet connectivity.

  • The project will compete with Starlink, Jio’s SpaceFiber, and Eutelsat OneWeb in India.

  • Amazon is targeting a launch of Project Kuiper in India by the end of 2025.

  • Project Kuiper promises low latency, high-speed connectivity for underserved communities.


Amazon Project Kuiper

In a high-stakes move to transform India's digital connectivity landscape, Amazon's Project Kuiper is getting ready to enter the Indian market with its ambitious satellite internet offering. The technology titan has recently applied for a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and this is a big step towards introducing high-speed, space-based internet in the country. If the approval process goes quickly, Amazon could introduce the service as soon as the end of this year.


Bridging the Digital Divide with 3,200+ LEO Satellites

At its core is a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that will offer high-speed internet seamlessly to underserved and rural communities. In contrast to standard internet, which depends on towers and fiber optic cables, LEO satellites have the ability to transmit internet signals to users directly, even in the most remote parts. It could be a savior for rural India, where internet connectivity is patchy and often non-existent.



Building the Ground Infrastructure in India

For the support of this huge satellite network, Amazon is going to install 10 gateway earth stations in India. These earth stations will act as ground relay points for satellite communications. Further, large Points of Presence (PoPs) for Mumbai and Chennai, which are major cities and will be regional centers, are envisioned to increase data transmission speeds and lower latency. This backbone infrastructure will make it possible for users to enjoy secure and quick internet services, which are essential for online learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce in far-flung areas.


A Competitive Sky

India's satellite internet space is already warming up with players such as SpaceX's Starlink, Reliance Jio's SpaceFiber, and Eutelsat OneWeb competing to find their own shares of the market. They all have their eyes set on India's huge potential for satellite-based connectivity. Amazon's entry further fuels this technology war and could spur innovation, competitive pricing, and enhanced services for Indian consumers.


Amazon's Project Kuiper has already begun gaining traction around the world. In one significant milestone, 27 of its satellites were launched successfully last month, setting the stage for wider coverage and smoother rollouts. These launches show that the company is dedicated and technically able to ramp up operations rapidly, cementing its commitment to covering markets such as India where the digital divide remains a urgent issue.


When Can You Expect Kuiper Internet in India?

Although the final deployment is subject to regulatory approvals, Amazon is hopeful of introducing Project Kuiper in India by the end of 2025. With planning already underway and satellite deployments picking up pace, Indian consumers particularly those residing in rural and under-served regions could soon have access to stable, high-speed satellite internet.



Amazon's Project Kuiper can potentially transform the way India connects to the internet, particularly in areas where legacy broadband never did. With regulatory processes in motion, satellite launches picking up speed, and a robust infrastructure plan for India, Kuiper can soon deliver the next generation of digital inclusion to millions. Watch this space as the fight for space-based internet dominance heats up in India!

bottom of page