Amazon's Project Kuiper has achieved a significant milestone in satellite communication, demonstrating download speeds exceeding 1.2 Gbps. The test, conducted using the company's enterprise-grade terminal, recorded a peak download speed of 1,289 megabits per second, verified by Ookla's Speedtest platform. This achievement positions Kuiper as a strong contender in the global satellite internet market.
Project Kuiper aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity worldwide, directly competing with SpaceX's Starlink. Amazon launched its first 27 operational satellites in April 2025 and plans to build a constellation of over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). To support this deployment, Amazon has partnered with leading launch providers, including United Launch Alliance (ULA), Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. An agreement with SpaceX in December 2023 secured three Falcon 9 launches for Kuiper satellite deployment.
Commercially, Project Kuiper is expanding its reach across various sectors. Starting in 2027, JetBlue will offer free in-flight Wi-Fi powered by Kuiper, becoming the first airline to adopt this technology. In Australia, NBN Co is partnering with Amazon to enhance satellite internet connectivity in rural areas, targeting speeds of up to 400 Mbps in remote regions by 2026. Additionally, states like Wyoming in the U.S. are exploring Kuiper technology to provide a minimum of 150 Mbps internet in remote areas as part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
The demonstration of gigabit speeds highlights Kuiper's potential to compete at the highest performance levels. While Starlink has an advantage in terms of the number of operational satellites and its customer base, Kuiper's test speeds validate its technological capabilities. Amazon plans to offer three types of customer terminals: a compact model for speeds up to 100 Mbps, a standard unit for up to 400 Mbps, and the enterprise terminal capable of reaching 1 Gbps. These advancements signify substantial progress in satellite communications, underscoring Amazon's commitment to bridging the global digital divide with a focus on speed, reliability, and extensive coverage.