Amazon’s Project Kuiper Targets India: A New Era of Satellite Internet on the Horizon?

Kolkata, May 26, 2025 — Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, is poised to bring its ambitious Project Kuiper satellite internet service to India, following in the footsteps of Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company is nearing a critical milestone, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) expected to issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) soon, a precursor to securing the Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license required to operate in India. This development, reported on May 16, 2025, positions Amazon as the second major global player after Starlink to enter India’s burgeoning satellite broadband market, promising to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to remote and underserved regions.

With 27 production satellites already launched in April 2025 and plans for a constellation of 3,236 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Project Kuiper aims to bridge India’s digital divide, intensifying competition in a market projected to grow to $44 billion by 2033, according to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

A Strategic Push into India’s Satellite Internet Market

Project Kuiper’s entry into India aligns with the country’s push to expand space-based services through international collaboration and innovation. Amazon has applied for fast-tracked regulatory clearance from the DoT, requesting an LoI under the GMPCS framework, a process it initiated two years ago with a renewed application in May 2025. Once approved, Kuiper will join Starlink, which received its LoI on May 7, 2025, as a major foreign player in India’s satellite internet sector.

The initiative targets rural and remote areas, offering speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, catering to consumers, businesses, and government entities. Amazon plans to establish 10 gateway stations and two points of presence in Mumbai and Chennai, ensuring efficient data routing. However, the company still awaits final approvals from IN-SPACe and adherence to India’s stringent security guidelines, including local data routing mandates introduced by the DoT in May 2025.

ALSO READ | Hidden Dangers in the Cloud: AWS Default IAM Roles Expose Critical Security Risks

Technology and Infrastructure: Kuiper’s Competitive Edge

Project Kuiper leverages a constellation of 3,236 LEO satellites operating at altitudes between 590 and 630 kilometers, designed to provide low-latency connectivity ideal for high-definition streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. The project, a $10 billion investment announced in 2019, saw its first 27 production satellites launched on April 29, 2025, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This followed the successful deployment of two prototype satellites, KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, in October 2023.

Amazon’s infrastructure plans in India include robust ground networks to support its satellite operations, positioning it to compete with Starlink’s 7,000+ satellites and established presence. Recent online discussions highlight Kuiper’s potential to offer higher bandwidth than local competitors like Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES, which currently operate with 70 Gbps and 58 Gbps capacities, respectively.

Did You Know?
Project Kuiper’s name is inspired by the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system beyond Neptune, reflecting Amazon’s ambition to extend connectivity far beyond traditional boundaries.

Challenges and Market Dynamics

Amazon faces regulatory hurdles and competition in India’s satellite internet landscape. The DoT’s updated guidelines mandate local data centers, NavIC-based positioning, and phased local manufacturing, adding complexity to Kuiper’s rollout. Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio-SES are already ahead, with the latter two holding GMPCS licenses. Starlink’s lead, with over 5 million subscribers globally, poses a formidable challenge, though Amazon aims to differentiate with its integration into Amazon Web Services (AWS) and consumer ecosystem.

The Federal Communications Commission requires Amazon to deploy half its constellation by mid-2026, a deadline analysts suggest may require an extension due to earlier delays. Online sentiment reflects optimism about Kuiper’s potential to connect rural India, but some express concerns over regulatory delays and the high costs of scaling satellite infrastructure.

India’s Space Ambitions and the Road Ahead

India’s commitment to space technology, driven by ISRO and global partnerships, creates a fertile ground for Project Kuiper. The country’s space economy is expected to reach $44 billion by 2033, fueled by demand for satellite broadband in underserved regions. Amazon aims for a commercial rollout in India by late 2025, pending regulatory approvals, with pilot programs likely to test market demand. The competition between Kuiper and Starlink could drive innovation and affordability, benefiting millions of Indian consumers.

However, geopolitical tensions and spectrum allocation debates—such as TRAI’s proposed 4% adjusted gross revenue fee—may impact the timeline. Amazon’s focus on affordability and rural connectivity could redefine India’s digital landscape, but its success hinges on navigating regulatory and competitive challenges.