Amazon set to launch 3,236 satellites to beam affordable Internet

In a direct competition to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Amazon has won approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy and operate its constellation of 3,236 satellites to beam affordable Internet services.

The authorization allows Amazon’s ‘Project Kuiper’ to deliver satellite-based broadband services in the US, helping expand internet access to households and communities across the country, the company said in a statement.

Amazon will spend $10 billion on Project Kuiper.

The investment will create jobs and infrastructure around the US, build and scale ground networks, accelerate satellite testing and manufacturing, and deliver “an affordable customer terminal that will make fast, reliable broadband accessible to communities around the world”.