Amazon details affordable satellite internet antenna.
in february, we learned Amazon is preparing to deploy more than 3,000 “Project Kuiper” broadband satellites into orbit. This move will provide the Internet to millions, similar to Starlink from SpaceX. The company gives us our first look at three antennas that will use the network.
Amazon’s low-cost antenna will come Three different sizesThey range from 100 Mbps to nearly 1 Gb, making them ideal for a wide range of consumer and corporate applications.
Project Kuiper’s first choice is an ultra-compact antenna designed to go anywhere. It is about 7 inches in size and weighs only 1 pound, yet it delivers speeds of up to 100Mbps to clients. I imagine the smaller model will appeal to RV users and those on the go.
Then, the “Standard” model is similar to what we’ve seen from StarLink, will cost less than $400, and reach speeds near 400Mbps. It is described as the perfect choice for individual and small business customers.
Finally, Amazon also plans to release a Pro-level antenna designed for enterprise or government users. This third antenna delivers insane bandwidth speeds of up to 1Gbps. It’s huge, measuring 19 by 30 inches, and can serve telecom applications.
Amazon blog posts said, “Project Kuiper is Amazon’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. Its mission is to bridge the digital divide by providing fast, affordable broadband to communities not served or disadvantaged by traditional communications technologies.”
We don’t have many other details regarding availability or pricing. For comparison, SpaceX’s Starlink for residential users costs $599 to install, then $119 per month and offers speeds between 50-200Mbps.
We’re assuming Amazon will try to hit a roughly similar price point, and it’s already a bit ahead with the residential option set to retail for under $400. Project Kuiper won’t be available to customers until late 2024, after production of the first satellites heads into low Earth orbit in the first half of the new year.
Source: Amazon
