Amazon's Project Kuiper Seeks to Expand in India's Satellite Internet Sector

After Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon's Project Kuiper, under Jeff Bezos's leadership, is making strides to enter India's lucrative satellite internet market. The company has approached the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the necessary approvals to commence operations.

Competitive Landscape: The Indian satellite communications sector is already competitive, with established players like Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio-SES JV, both of which have secured GMPCS permits and IN-SPACe clearances. Additionally, Globalstar, Apple's satellite communications partner, is also seeking operational authorization in India.

Amazon's Strategic Infrastructure Plans

Amazon plans to establish significant satellite communications infrastructure in India, including ten gateways and two presence points in Mumbai and Chennai. The company has recently urged the DoT for a swift issuance of a letter of intent for satellite communications authorization.

Upcoming Launches and Operational Goals

With 27 satellites already launched into orbit last month and more planned, Amazon aims to have a low earth orbit (LEO) constellation of over 3,200 satellites, with the majority operational by early next year. This ambitious project is set to significantly enhance satellite capacity in India, surpassing existing offerings.

Industry Perspectives: Analysts note that while timelines may vary, the entry of Amazon and Starlink into the Indian market will dramatically increase satellite capacity, offering several terabytes of bandwidth, a substantial leap from current capabilities.