Next year, Amazon will begin deploying its Project Kuiper satellites to enhance internet access for rural communities in Australia. On Tuesday, the company disclosed a collaboration with the National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co), a state-owned entity, aiming to provide satellite internet services to over 300,000 eligible customers by mid-2026.
Joe Lathan, the manager for Project Kuiper in Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the unique challenges posed by Australia’s expansive geography regarding connectivity. He stated, “This partnership with NBN Co signifies our dedication to addressing these issues through innovative solutions and cooperative efforts.”
This marks the first significant collaboration for Project Kuiper, which seeks to rival SpaceX’s Starlink service. While SpaceX operates over 8,000 satellites globally, providing services to more than 100 countries, Project Kuiper has launched only 78 satellites so far. Amazon plans its next launch for August 7th as it progresses towards building a constellation of 3,236 satellites.
However, the service associated with the NBN Co alliance might not be the initial offering from Project Kuiper. According to Amazon, the company anticipates beginning to deliver services to customers in late 2025, though specifics about the locations and pricing for the service and associated hardware remain undisclosed.