Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite broadband network has entered into an agreement with Vrio Corp., the parent company of DirecTV Latin America and Sky Brasil, to provide internet connectivity to customers in seven South American countries. Vrio plans to use the Kuiper network to serve residential customers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay, covering about 383 million people, including those who are not currently connected to the internet. Vrio President Dario Werthein expressed the importance of this collaboration in bridging the technology gap and addressing the digital divide for future generations.
This deal with Vrio is part of Project Kuiper’s efforts to expand its connectivity services globally. Amazon has previously made similar agreements with companies like Verizon, Vodafone, Vodacom, NTT, and SKY Perfect JSAT in various regions around the world. Amazon is currently in the final stages of testing two prototype Kuiper satellites and is accelerating the production of operational satellites at its facilities in Redmond and Kirkland, Washington. The first production-grade satellite is set to be launched in the coming months, with plans to begin service demonstrations with Vrio and other customers by the end of the year and launch commercial service in 2025.
While Project Kuiper is making progress in its satellite network deployment, it still lags behind SpaceX’s Starlink network, which currently serves over 3 million subscribers in 99 countries using a constellation of around 6,000 satellites. However, Amazon’s entry into the satellite broadband market with Project Kuiper is seen as a significant step towards expanding internet connectivity to underserved regions and populations. The collaboration with Vrio and other partners demonstrates Amazon’s commitment to addressing the global digital divide and providing access to reliable and high-speed internet services to remote and rural communities.
The deployment of Project Kuiper’s satellite network in South America is expected to play a crucial role in improving internet access and connectivity in the region. With millions of people in the seven countries still lacking access to the internet, the partnership between Amazon and Vrio aims to deliver reliable and affordable broadband services to underserved communities. By leveraging Amazon’s technological expertise and Vrio’s market presence, this collaboration has the potential to drive economic growth, enhance education opportunities, and enable greater communication and information sharing among residents in these countries.
As Project Kuiper continues to expand its reach and establish partnerships with companies like Vrio, the satellite broadband network is poised to make a significant impact on global connectivity efforts. By providing internet access to underserved regions and populations, Project Kuiper is helping to bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for economic development and social progress. With plans to launch commercial service in 2025, Amazon is on track to revolutionize the satellite broadband market and transform the way people around the world access and utilize the internet for their everyday needs.
