FCC Approves Amazon's Satellite Internet Plan Against SpaceX's Opposition

On February 8, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the satellite launch plan for Amazon's satellite Internet communications project, Kuiper . In the launch plan, SpaceX, which operates the competing service 'Starlink', appealed for a plan review, but the FCC withdrew SpaceX's opinion and supports Amazon's plan.

International Bureau Grants Kuiper Satellite Modification | Federal Communications Commission
https://www.fcc.gov/document/international-bureau-grants-kuiper-satellite-modification

FCC approves Amazon's satellite broadband plan over SpaceX's objections | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/02/fcc-approves-amazons-satellite-broadband-plan-over-spacexs-objections/

The deployment of Internet services using artificial satellites is progressing rapidly, such as the satellite Internet service 'Starlink' operated by SpaceX, which is expanding services around the world including Japan. Under this situation, Amazon's satellite Internet service project is 'Kuiper'.

Kuiper aims to deploy 3236 satellites in three orbits and provide Internet service to 95% of the area inhabited by all humans. Amazon has decided to launch the satellite in the first quarter of 2023 in October 2022, and attention has been focused on future developments.

Amazon's satellite Internet ``Project Kuiper'' will be launched in the first quarter of 2023-GIGAZINE

However, regarding the satellite launch plan submitted by Amazon to the FCC, SpaceX said, 'We will launch 578 satellites with the aim of ``collecting data for evaluating the problem and obtaining a path for future satellite deployment.'' requested to be limited to

In response to SpaceX's request for a limit on the number of launches, the FCC said, ``We do not find a need to limit Kuiper's authority. I have expressed my concerns, but I have not been able to clearly point out the risks caused by Kuiper's satellite deployment, 'he withdrew SpaceX's opinion and approved Amazon's plan.

In addition, Amazon mentions the possibility of using SpaceX's rocket for Kuiper's satellite launch, and attention is focused on the satellite launch scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

Amazon suggests the possibility of relying on rival SpaceX for satellite launch of satellite Internet service ``Project Kuiper''-GIGAZINE