Amazon has joined the race to close the digital divide with a new satellite internet service. The online retail giant is entering the broadband industry with Project Kuiper. Amazon says Project Kuiper’s main aim is to provide internet connectivity to underserved rural communities. It will take on SpaceX’s already established Starlink service, which is popular among rural customers.
More competition is usually a good thing for customers, especially when it comes to satellite internet, which has only three primary providers in the U.S.—Hughesnet, Starlink, and Viasat. Project Kuiper still has a ways to go before it’s ready to compete. Still, after several years of development and preparation, it’s finally gaining momentum with the launch of its first batch of satellites.
Project Kuiper shares many similarities with Starlink, but it aims to differentiate itself through its advanced technology and competitive pricing.