Amazon Closer to Satellite Internet Service

Amazon is set to launch 27 satellites that will provide Internet services to consumers, businesses and governments. It plans an eventual network of more than 3,000 satellites.

The idea is to provide a rival services to the existing Starlink, bringing competition to the market and offering an alternative for potential users wary about dealing with Starlink.

Satellite Internet was originally designed to serve rural and remote areas where fixed-line broadband is expensive or unavailable and where using the cellphone network to transmit data is also difficult. However, developments to make services cheaper and more practical could theoretically mean it becomes a viable alternative even in urban areas where cable broadband is widely available.

Mini Dish Option

Amazon hasn't announced pricing but has previously announced one option would allow a 100 Mbps connection using a dish receiver that's a seven-inch square. A 1Gbps service would be available but require a larger receiver. Amazon has budgeted for production costs of under $400 for the equipment, though it's possible it could sell them for below cost-price to subscribers. (Source: theverge.com)

One of the biggest challenges of satellite technology is latency. In simple terms, that's the time it takes between a computer attempting sending or receiving data and the transmission actually beginning. Delays here of just a fraction of a second can negative impact some types of Internet activity such as video calling.

Starlink Competitor

The eventual plan of 3,200 satellites would be around half the existing Starlink network and will involve around 80 space launches. While it will be some time before that's complete, Amazon hopes to offer service to customers before the end of the year. (Source: aboutamazon.com)

Although the original plan was simply to compete with Starlink on price and service, Amazon may benefit from political developments. Starlink is operated by Space-X, operated by the controversial Elon Musk. Some analysts believe his public comments about international politics may deter some governments from relying on Starlink for key communications infrastructure.

What's Your Opinion?

Have you ever considered satellite Internet? Does the need for an external dish put you off? Will Amazon bring more competition to the overall Internet service market?