In 2019, Amazon announced Project “Kuiper” with the goal of building its own satellite internet network. Initially available in the U.S., the online retailer’s internet service will also be available in Germany starting in 2026.
Amazon is now more than just an online store. Throughout its history, the company has manufactured devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and TVs, offers various streaming services, and operates a profitable cloud storage business. About six years ago, it ventured into the internet business. After the U.S. regulatory body FCC granted approval for Kuiper’s operation in July 2020, the concrete implementation began.
A significant milestone was the launch of the first two prototype satellites in October 2023, which were intended to test fundamental technologies and processes in orbit. The actual operational start occurred on April 28, 2025, when the first 27 production satellites were successfully launched into space—marking the large-scale rollout of the Kuiper constellation.
Amazon to Bring Kuiper to Germany in 2026
With the service launching in 2026, Germany will be among the first five countries worldwide to receive the service—alongside the U.S., Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. With Project Kuiper, Amazon enters direct competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The goal is to provide remote areas with high-speed internet.
According to a report by “Bloomberg,” Amazon plans to launch more than 200 satellites into low Earth orbit by the end of 2025. In the long term, the fleet is expected to grow to over 3,200 satellites, enabling global coverage in 88 to 100 countries by 2028. The equator and the poles are also expected to be reached.
Amazon has already launched more than 100 satellites, some with rockets from competitor SpaceX, which is already in the market with Starlink. At least four more launches are planned for further expansion, including with the new European Ariane 6 launch vehicle.
Read also: Starlink and Eutelsat Konnect—How Good Is Internet from Space?
Internet Connections with Up to 400 Mbps
In initial tests, the Kuiper system achieved theoretical download speeds between 1 and 1.2 gigabits per second and upload speeds of up to 400 Mbps. In practical use, stable 400 Mbps download speeds should be possible for end customers—comparable to Starlink’s performance.
Amazon is particularly focusing on regions without broadband access, where fiber optics or mobile networks are not yet available. Technical stability is crucial, as Starlink has repeatedly experienced outages in the past.
Amazon has not yet provided pricing details. However, industry observers expect the company to enter the market with competitive pricing. The offering may be cheaper than Starlink, which currently offers plans starting at 29 euros per month. The total investment for the entire Kuiper project is estimated at around $10 billion.
Competition for Starlink with Cloud Potential
While Starlink is currently the leader in the satellite internet market, Amazon aims to catch up with Kuiper and is also leveraging synergies with its own cloud business. Kuiper could serve not only private customers but also businesses and government agencies. An initial agreement has already been made with an airline: JetBlue plans to offer internet via Kuiper satellites to passengers starting in 2027.
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