Amazon vs Starlink: The $11 Billion Race for Space Internet

Amazon is ramping up its efforts to compete in the growing market for satellite-based internet, announcing plans to invest more than $11 billion as part of its long-term space strategy.

The move includes the acquisition of satellite communications company Globalstar, which will support Amazon’s Project Kuiper initiative.

Project Kuiper aims to deploy thousands of satellites into low-earth orbit and launch a next-generation connectivity network by 2028.

Amazon says the system is designed to provide internet and mobile services globally, with agreements already in place with airlines, telecommunications companies, and NASA.

The investment places Amazon in more direct competition with Starlink, the satellite internet service launched by Elon Musk in 2019. Starlink currently holds a significant lead, with more than 10,000 satellites in orbit and over 10 million users worldwide.

By comparison, Amazon has around 200 satellites currently in space, meaning it will need to scale up rapidly to reach its goals.