Amazon Broadband set to launch in the UK

Dan Howdle • January 31st, 2025

Amazon is bringing its satellite broadband service, Project Kuiper, to the UK in a direct challenge to Elon Musk's Starlink. The move could shake up the rural broadband market, offering a new alternative for those struggling with slow or unreliable speeds.

What is it?

Back in 2019, Amazon announced Project Kuiper, a plan to launch over 3,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide affordable, high-speed broadband worldwide. The idea is to connect people in remote areas where traditional broadband isn't up to scratch. Now, Amazon is gearing up to bring the service to the UK, and it could be a game-changer for remote and rural homes living with slow internet speeds.

How soon can we expect it?

Amazon has been making steady progress. In October 2023, the company launched two prototype satellites to test the system, and things seem to be going well. Full service isn't expected immediately, but Amazon plans to roll out Project Kuiper in the UK within the next two years.

It’s an exciting prospect for those living in remote locations that are hard to serve with traditional fixed-line broadband, but will probably not make much of a dent in the UK market overall. Project Kuiper will bring competition primarily to Elon Musk’s Starlink, which is currently the dominant player in satellite broadband globally.

How will it compare to Starlink?

Starlink offers satellite broadband, but there are key differences between it and Kuiper. Starlink is already available in the UK and has over 6,400 satellites in orbit, providing internet access to more than 95 countries. It's a solid option for those in remote, rural areas, but some users do report inconsistent speeds due to network congestion.

Amazon’s Kuiper constellation will be similar in scale, and the company is betting on its extensive resources to gain an edge. Given Amazon’s experience with consumer tech like Echo and Fire TV, we can also expect its broadband hardware to be user-friendly and (hopefully) more affordable than Starlink’s.

Any downsides to more satellites?

The idea of thousands of new satellites in space does raise some concerns. There’s growing debate about space debris and how to manage the increasing number of satellites orbiting Earth. Both Amazon and SpaceX have committed to responsible space operations, including deorbiting defunct satellites safely, but it’s something regulators will be keeping a close eye on.

What happens next?

Amazon is still in the early stages of rolling out Project Kuiper, but things are moving quickly. The UK launch is expected within the next couple of years, and once pricing and service details are revealed, we’ll have a better idea of how it stacks up against Starlink and traditional broadband.

For now, if you’re struggling with slow broadband and looking for an alternative, Amazon’s entry into the market is definitely something to watch. More competition means better options, and that can only be good news for UK consumers.

What we think

For UK households, especially those in remote locations, more choice is always a good thing. Traditional broadband providers have been slow to expand Full Fibre networks to the further reaches of the UK countryside, leaving some areas with connections that just aren't fit for purpose. Starlink provided a solution, but it is very expensive. Amazon entering the market could bring prices down and make satellite broadband more accessible.

However, don't expect Kuiper to make any impact of national providers who sell fixed-line Standard Fibre and Full Fibre broadband. Satellite broadband will never be a favourable alternative and due to the cost of getting things to space will likely never compete on price either.