Satellite internet access has immense potential to connect people globally. As an experienced technology analyst, I will compare two major players in this growing industry – Amazon‘s newly announced Kuiper service and established provider Inmarsat.
A Bird‘s Eye View of the Satellite Internet Market
First, let‘s ground ourselves in the key drivers and projections in this sector. Satellite internet promises to provide broadband globally by beaming connectivity from low earth orbits and geosynchronous orbits overhead.
What factors indicate massive growth ahead?
- Over half the world lacks reliable internet access currently
- Fibre or cellular infrastructure is lacking in rural and remote regions
- Governments and aid agencies need connections in disaster / crisis zones
- Maritime, freight and aviation industries require tracking and operations connectivity
Industry forecasts estimate the satellite broadband market growing from $2.8 billion in 2021 to $10.9 billion by 2030. That‘s a whopping 30% compound annual growth!
With this context on the vibrant potential and demand for satellite internet, next we‘ll analyse Kuiper and Inmarsat eyeing this opportunity.
Introducing Amazon‘s Upstart Project Kuiper
When news broke in April 2019 that Amazon planned to launch 3,236 satellites to provide broadband worldwide, it signaled their ambitious entry into global satellite connectivity.
The initiative named Project Kuiper, after Dutch astronomer Gerard Kuiper, aims to spend over $10 billion on this new space venture. Knowing Amazon‘s track record of disrupting other spheres like retail, cloud computing and streaming entertainment – this sent ripples across the satellite communications industry.
What unique capabilities does Amazon bring to the table? And how may it impact the satellite internet ecosystem?
- Amazon‘s consumer obsession culture – Jeff Bezos always focused on delighting customers
- Market-leading technology infrastructure including global edge networks & data centers
- 700+ satellites planned in phase 1 – more than any competitor right now
- Reusable rockets like New Glenn could lower launch costs significantly
- Global brand recognition and trust serving 100+ million Prime members already
Let‘s now analyse Kuiper‘s satellite configuration, rollout timeline and early terminology tests in more detail.
Kuiper Targets 2026 for Commercial Launch After Initial Prototypes
Kuiper gained FCC approval in 2020 which opened doors for its first two test satellites to launch as early as May 2022…
