Project Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite internet service, is slated to begin to serve Pakistan as per its global strategy of connecting underserved regions. Representatives from Amazon have talked with Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunications about the regulatory situation and infrastructure needs in the country. This move is seen by the government as a strong step towards digital inclusion and nationwide connectivity.
Project Kuiper uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latitude internet service. Amazon launched its first batch of operational satellites earlier this year, marking the start of global deployment. The greater part of two rocket launches exists to complete the constellation order–in September 2019, SpaceX ordered 20 rockets from United Launch Alliance, worth $4.7 billion. Kuiper will cover remote and rural areas around the world; it will therefore be a valuable tool in the fight for poverty alleviation.
In Pakistan, Project Kuiper aims to connect areas without reliable access to fiber or mobile networks. This service will help students, freelancers, startups, and healthcare providers get online with ease. That could power Pakistan’s digital economy and should be a mainstay of its vision for a “Digital Pakistan.”
Amazon will also build ground stations and local network hubs in Pakistan to boost connectivity and reduce latency. These local points of presence will connect Project Kuiper with Pakistan’s current data infrastructure, which is serving more people throughout the country.
