Amazon’s satellite internet project, Project Kuiper, is making progress toward launching broadband services in the United Kingdom, aiming to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink in the competitive low Earth orbit satellite market. Developed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to areas with limited connectivity, Kuiper is expected to begin satellite deployments in early 2025, with service rollout planned later in the year.
The initiative hinges on approval from the UK communications regulator Ofcom, which is reviewing Amazon’s application for an Earth Station Network license. Ofcom has stated that its decision is still under consideration following a consultation period that ended in October 2024.
Amazon has also engaged with the UK Ministry of Defence, discussing studies and capabilities related to satellite communications. Government filings indicate that Project Kuiper conducted research for the UK Space Command, while Bezos’s space company, Blue Origin, participated in additional discussions on defense capabilities. Neither Amazon nor the Ministry of Defence has commented further on these talks.
Kuiper’s entry into the UK market comes amid growing adoption of Starlink’s satellite broadband services. SpaceX’s Starlink already operates in over 100 countries, including the UK, where it has doubled its user base to 87,000 connections in 2024, largely in rural regions. Starlink’s success has led to sold-out capacity in the southeast of England, creating waiting lists for new customers.
To compete, Kuiper must first secure the necessary frequency licenses for its satellite constellation. Ofcom has indicated that Kuiper’s services will target households, schools, hospitals, first responders, and disaster relief operations. Amazon’s proposal highlights its ability to deliver secure and reliable connectivity, especially in remote areas or during emergencies when traditional infrastructure is compromised.
In addition to broadband, Project Kuiper is exploring direct-to-device satellite services that could enable mobile phone users to make calls, send texts, and access data without traditional cellular networks. Amazon has described this capability as particularly valuable for emergency situations and disaster recovery efforts.
Ofcom is set to consult stakeholders on authorizing direct-to-device satellite services early this year, with final decisions expected later in 2025. If approved, these services could further enhance Kuiper’s ability to address gaps in mobile coverage across the UK.
Despite its ambitions, Kuiper has faced setbacks, including delays in satellite launches originally planned for late 2024. Amazon’s ability to close the gap with Starlink will depend on securing regulatory approvals and navigating competition from established providers.
Industry analysts see Amazon’s entry as a significant development in the satellite broadband sector, which is increasingly seen as vital for improving global internet access. While Starlink has maintained a lead, Kuiper’s potential partnerships with government agencies and disaster response organizations may give it a strategic edge in certain markets.
As the UK government prioritizes expanding broadband infrastructure, Kuiper’s approval and launch could provide much-needed support for digital connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The project also reflects broader trends toward leveraging satellite technology to enhance national security and emergency preparedness.
The final decision from Ofcom, expected later this year, will determine whether Amazon’s Kuiper can move forward with its plans, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of satellite communications in the UK.
