Starlink is no longer the only economic player wishing to offer Internet by satellite in France. At the end of November, Amazon took possession of new premises in Clichy (Hauts-de-Seine) to set up its subsidiary Kuiper there, reports Capital.
“We are only in the design and research and development at this stage”, detailed Philippe Daly, responsible for this establishment and the development of Alexa in France. “But the objective is to provide coverage in gray areas such as exists in France. “
???? [EXCLUSIF] Amazon opens its Kuiper subsidiary in France to serve Europe with Internet via satellite, reveals @paquette.
> Amazon has not yet communicated on its prices but promises that they will be affordable.https: //t.co/AW5PfzZN27 pic.twitter.com/S7zVFVWXEg
— Capital (@MagazineCapital) January 7, 2022
Do away with white areas
With Kuiper, Amazon follows SpaceX, whose Starlink subsidiary has already sent numerous satellites into orbit. The e-commerce giant has the ambition to send no less than 3,236 machines into low orbit and plans to invest more than $ 10 billion to deploy this constellation.
The goal is to provide a broadband connection to households located in white areas or without access to optical fiber. In France, this could interest 10% of the population, who would then have to equip themselves with a special satellite dish. Airlines and cruise lines may also be interested in the service.
This installation on French soil is only the beginning. The first satellites will be launched at the end of 2022 and the Amazon subsidiary is working to obtain all the necessary authorizations to market its technology on French soil. No pricing has yet been announced but Amazon promises the price will be affordable.
