Jeff Bezos’ response to SpaceX’s Starlink, called Project Kuiper, will be used to significantly expand the carrier’s 5G and 4G LTE mobile networks in rural areas, according to a recent press release from Verizon.
But as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s fortune continues to climb to incredible heights, Amazon and Jeff Bezos could get into a fight once they reach Low Earth Orbit (LEO). .
Amazon’s Satellite Array Could Solve Verizon’s 5G Problem
Named after the icy rocky ring beyond Neptune that remained after the formation of the solar system, the Kuiper program aims to launch 3,236 satellites into low-Earth orbit. Getting there will improve internet access in underserved areas around the world.In addition, a new alliance between Verizon and Amazon will combine the wireless technology of Verizon’s cellular network with Amazon’s Kuiper satellites in orbit. to provide better broadband coverage and “new customer-centric connectivity options.”
Verizon has a lot to gain from the deal, especially in underserved communities, as it will improve 5G and 4G wireless networks without the need for traditional infrastructure such as fiber cable networks. are highly anticipated. This could help Verizon finally deliver on his 5G service promise. Although it was first presented to the world, it has lagged behind T-Mobile.
Verizon’s problems were partly due to its focus on mmWave. mmWave is very fast but lacks range. T-Mobile, on the other hand, acquired a mid-band spectrum that offers a wider coverage area. Another issue with Verizon’s mmWave is that it’s expensive to scale, as many nodes are needed to compensate for the short range. “Project Kuiper provides flexibility and unique capabilities for the LEO satellite system. We are excited about the prospect of adding a complementary layer of connectivity to our existing partnership with Amazon,” said Verizon CEO and Chairman. said Hans Vestberg of
Westberg added:
“We know the future will be built on our flagship 5G network, designed for mobility, fixed wireless access and real-time cloud computing. Today’s announcement will help bridge this divide and explore ways to accelerate the benefits and innovation of wireless connectivity, with global and regional scale. Both will help us benefit our customers.”
Amazon challenges Elon Musk’s SpaceX
The FCC has given Amazon permission to put about 3,200 satellites into orbit. Yet until these satellites are physically launched into space, all of this remains hypothetical (with the provision that half must be in orbit by 2026). Amazon says it will be able to access broadband services once 578 satellites are in orbit. The rest of his LEO constellation he is expected to be on track by 2029. In addition, Amazon has announced its intention to invest $10 billion in Project Kuiper, and through a basic agreement with the United Launch Alliance, he is already working on nine of his LEO missions.
In a notable example of cross-pollination in the expansion of Big Tech, Amazon hired several members of Facebook’s now-defunct satellite team. Tesla’s market capitalization he exceeds $ 1 trillion, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft.
