Verizon Communications entered into a strategic collaboration with Project Kuiper, Amazon’s advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. With this partnership, both parties will develop connectivity solutions specifically for unserved and underserved communities that would benefit from improved connectivity.
The collaboration includes development of technical specifications and preliminary commercial models for various connectivity services, serving consumers and global enterprise customers, including remote workers. These capabilities will be based on Project Kuiper’s advanced LEO satellite system and Verizon wireless technology and infrastructure.
“Project Kuiper offers flexibility and unique capabilities for a LEO satellite system,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO, Hans Vestberg, “and we’re excited about the prospect of adding a complementary connectivity layer to our existing partnership with Amazon. We know the future will be built on our leading 5G network, designed for mobility, fixed wireless access and real-time cloud compute. More importantly, we believe that the power of this technology must be accessible for all. Today’s announcement will help us explore ways to bridge that divide and accelerate the benefits and innovation of wireless connectivity, helping benefit our customers on both a global and local scale.”
To begin, Amazon and Verizon will focus on expanding Verizon data networks using cellular backhaul solutions from Project Kuiper. The integration will leverage antenna development already in progress from the Project Kuiper team, and both engineering teams are now working together to define technical requirements to help extend fixed wireless coverage to rural and remote communities across the United States.
The partnership will also pave the way for both parties to design and deploy new connectivity solutions across domestic and global industries, extending connectivity by pairing capabilities with Verizon’s wireless, private networking and edge compute solutions.
The Project Kuiper initiative will specifically increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 LEO satellites worldwide.
Amazon has committed an initial $10 billion to the program.
Additional info is available via www.allconnect.com/providers/verizon.
