Testing begins for Amazon’s satellite internet initiative Project Kuiper. Amazon, which wants to launch an affordable and high-speed internet system, has accelerated testing of key technology. Kuiper Systems has announced that it will test more than a thousand antenna prototypes over the next six months.
Amazon Project Kuiper tests start in April
The testing period, which will begin in April, will allow Kuiper Systems to evaluate how the antennas perform under different conditions and locations. It was stated that up to 200 subscribers can receive terminals to evaluate the tests.
Amazon seems close to finalizing the antenna design for Project Kuiper. In this context, three options are planned to suit various user needs. These include a portable antenna with speeds up to 100 Mbps, a standard antenna with speeds up to 400 Mbps, and enterprise-class devices with speeds of 1 Gbps.
The company’s antenna diversity underscores Amazon’s goal of access to high-speed internet through satellite connectivity. While pricing has not been announced, Amazon has hinted that a standard antenna will be available for less than $400. But it said they want to make the service even more affordable.
The antenna test is crucial for Amazon to compete with the SpaceX Starlink network. Only two prototype Kuiper satellites have been launched so far as the company tries to build its own satellite constellation. But plans point to accelerating satellite deployment.
The results of the six-month prototype period will reveal the future of Project Kuiper. Only time will tell if it can rival Starlink.
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