What To Know About the Project Kuiper Beta

Amazon’s Project Kuiper is steadily preparing to launch its satellite internet service, which it anticipates will start its testing phase by the end of 2025. After multiple successful launches, Amazon is gradually building out its constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites that will be capable of beaming internet to ground terminals, directly competing with SpaceX’s Starlink. 

For many who live in rural areas where options for high-speed internet access are scarce, satellite internet is often the only viable option. However, there are only three satellite internet providers that operate in the U.S., leaving little room for competition. It’s understandable that internet shoppers are curious about Amazon’s upcoming service, including when it will be available and what the cost will be. Like many new technologies, a beta launch that includes consumers is inevitable.

Amazon has stated that its satellites are expected to begin operation by the end of 2025. However, as of Summer 2025, there’s no formal sign-up page to participate in the planned beta program. Since Amazon is still in the process of testing and launching the first wave of satellites, this program isn’t slated to begin until late 2025 and will start with commercial users. 

However, if you’re intent on being an early adopter, Amazon recommends contacting them directly to express your interest and receive additional information at kuiper-interest@amazon.com.

Amazon hasn’t released any details on the beta, but it’s possible that it will work very similarly to Starlink’s beta process. SpaceX began with a private beta in 2020, which later expanded into a full public beta called the “Better Than Nothing Beta.” Anyone could sign up and hope for a chance to be included, but factors for being selected depended on location, as the satellite constellation was not yet fully built out at the time. 

If selected, testers would be required to pay a monthly fee of $99. Additionally, since it was a beta, the service didn’t perform nearly as well as it does today, often experiencing constant outages. It’s safe to say that Project Kuiper beta won’t immediately deliver the promised 400Mbps that Amazon claims it will.

While the launch of Project Kuiper’s satellite constellation is underway, it still has a long way to go before it reaches its milestones of at least 1,600 satellites by July 2026 and 3,200 by 2029. The rate of launches so far also makes a 2025 beta a long shot. It’s safe to say that full commercial service won’t be ready for some time. However, if you’re in need of reliable internet that can be set up from anywhere, including rural settings, it’s likely a good idea to consider the three operational satellite providers: Hughesnet, Starlink, and Viasat.

There are still many uncertainties surrounding Project Kuiper, including service plans, pricing, availability, and a definitive release date. Amazon has promised speeds up to 400Mbps with its standard dishes and up to 1Gbps with its enterprise model. It’s also stated that the service will be competitively priced. Despite these uncertainties, having another provider in the industry is likely to impact the market and prompt competitors to respond with modified pricing and packages. More competition is beneficial for the consumer.