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Verizon and Amazon Team Up to Provide Rural Broadband Access With Satellites

Known as Project Kuiper

By Allison Murray Allison Murray Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on October 26, 2021 11:16AM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Rural broadband internet is about to become available to more people thanks to a collaboration between Verizon and Amazon. The companies on Tuesday announced the partnership, which utilizes Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The satellites will deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband service to places beyond the reach of traditional fiber or wireless networks. Getty Images/John Rensten Verizon will help Project Kuiper by expanding its LTE and 5G data networks using cellular backhaul solutions. In addition, the companies will work together to define technical requirements to help extend fixed wireless coverage to rural and remote communities. The LEO satellite system will serve individual households, as well as schools, hospitals, businesses, and other organizations operating in places where internet access is limited or unavailable. Project Kuiper is a $10 billion initiative from Amazon to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) around the planet. Elon Musk’s SpaceX also has a similar satellite initiative, known as Starlink, that aims to "deploy the world’s most advanced broadband internet system" to provide "fast, reliable internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable." Companies have been prioritizing broadband internet access in recent years, and Verizon has previously partnered with the Federal Communications Commission along with AT&T, Comcast, and T-Mobile for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The program allows eligible Americans to sign up for monthly broadband discounts and help close the growing digital divide. Equal access to broadband networks is increasingly becoming an issue in the US. The FCC estimates that more than 21 million people in the United States lack a broadband connection, including nearly three in 10 (or 27%) in rural areas. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 5G: The Latest News & Updates (October 2022) T-Mobile 5G: When & Where You Can Get It 5G Internet: The High-Speed Replacement for Cable? How Are 4G and 5G Different? The 9 Best Internet Service Providers of 2022 5G: Here's Everything That's Changing Where Is 5G Available in the US? (Updated for 2022) 5G Availability Around the World The 7 Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2022 Verizon 5G: When & Where You Can Get It How to Install Local Channels on Amazon Fire Stick What Is an AirCard for Cellular Networks? How to Set Up PPPoE Internet Access What Is a Leased Line in Networking? What Is the Digital Divide? Space-Based Internet: What It Is And How It Works Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies