Amazon has launched its first 27 satellites for Project Kuiper, marking its entry into the satellite internet race against SpaceX’s Starlink. Aiming to deliver fast internet to remote areas, Amazon plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites and begin service by late 2025 while addressing concerns like light pollution and regulatory challenges.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is on the cusp of launching its first major batch of satellites, marking a significant step toward global satellite broadband. Scheduled for April 9th, the KA-01 mission will deploy 27 satellites, advancing Amazon’s venture into offering low-latency internet worldwide.
Eutelsat Group, MediaTek, and Airbus Defence and Space have successfully trialed 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This milestone paves the way for seamless satellite and terrestrial network integration, expanding global 5G accessibility.
Oracle and Starlink have partnered to enhance Oracle’s Enterprise Communications Platform with high-speed satellite connectivity. This integration enables secure, real-time data flow for industries like healthcare and construction, even in remote areas.
AST SpaceMobile’s five BlueBird satellites are set to launch on September 12, heralding the start of their commercial non-terrestrial network services in collaboration with carriers like Verizon and AT&T. This pivotal event not only enhances global cellular connectivity but also signifies a major milestone in low Earth orbit telecommunications.
Barcelona-based Sateliot has launched four LEO nanosatellites via SpaceX to expand its satellite IoT services. This move aims to connect eight million devices and secure €30 million in funding. Utilizing a 5G core through AWS, Sateliot’s NB-IoT constellation targets 100% global coverage and offers cost-saving IoT solutions.
AST SpaceMobile is gearing up for a significant milestone with the upcoming launch of its first commercial satellites. Set for early August, the five new Bluebird satellites will enhance the company’s ability to offer non-continuous commercial VoIP services. Once deployed in low Earth orbit, these satellites will revolutionize remote mobile coverage via direct-to-device communications.
In a groundbreaking move, Viasat, Inc., alongside Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), have come together to announce the formation of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA). This new consortium is set to enhance and promote the burgeoning Direct-to-Device (D2D) communication landscape, promising to deliver unprecedented scale and diversity in mobile satellite services.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, T-Mobile US and SpaceX are gearing up for the field testing of Starlink satellites, heralding a significant stride in eliminating mobile coverage dead zones. While the exact date for the commencement of field testing remains undisclosed, T-Mobile is optimistic about its imminent initiation, stating that the low-Earth orbit deployment of satellites sets the stage for the forthcoming trials.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Vodafone join forces to bolster 4G and 5G availability in Europe and Africa using cost-effective low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This partnership aims to connect distant cellular antennas to core networks, enabling telecom services without relying on intricate fibre-based systems. With a larger goal of bridging the digital divide, the collaboration also plans to offer backup services for disruptions and connect distant infrastructure.
