Why is this important
The project can close the “white spots” in the coverage, strengthen digital infrastructure, and reduce the gap between urban and rural areas. If everything succeeds, Uzbekistan will receive a platform for growth in telecommunications, electronic services, and education.
What happened
- The Ministry of Digital Development of Uzbekistan and Amazon Kuiper Commercial Services LLC signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of satellite internet and telecom infrastructure development.
- The document outlines areas such as the deployment of the Project Kuiper network, technical integration, and the development of broadband internet in Uzbekistan.
- Amazon presented the Kuiper Project as a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system capable of providing speeds of up to 400 Mbps with a prospect of growth of up to 1 Gbps.
- The company has already launched Kuiper satellites in 2025.
- There is already an example of cooperation in the region: Amazon Kuiper recently concluded a partnership with Kazakhtelecom in Kazakhstan for satellite internet distribution.
Risks and complications
- Legal and regulatory barriers: requires coordination of licenses, frequency spectrum, and safety standards.
- Investments in ground infrastructure: ground stations, gateways, and integration with the national network.
- Competition with existing providers, mobile operators, and ground networks.
- Delays in satellite network deployment: The Kuiper project is still under active construction.
Context
Project Kuiper is an Amazon satellite internet project launched in 2019. It is planned to launch up to 3,236 satellites. The first commercial Kuiper satellites have already been launched, and the project is developing rapidly.
The successful deployment in Uzbekistan could set a precedent for other countries in the region and strengthen Amazon’s position as a global satellite communications player.
