Amazon's Project Kuiper is gearing up for its India debut next year, but it's playing catch-up in the satellite communication arena. While competitors like Starlink, OneWeb, and Jio Satellite have already received the green light to launch services in the country, Kuiper is still working to secure the necessary licenses and approvals.

The delay in Amazon's India launch stems from a few key factors. Kuiper needs to establish a sufficient satellite constellation to commercially launch its services. As of June 2025, Amazon had 54 satellites in low Earth orbit and plans to deploy a total of 3,236 satellites. The company also needs to ensure its network and ground system designs comply with the Indian government's security conditions. However, the company expects to complete the formalities by the end of this year.

Kuiper has applied for a Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) license and has also sought approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for landing rights.

Despite the hurdles, Amazon is determined to tap into India's growing demand for high-speed internet, especially in underserved and remote regions. Traditional fiber and cable infrastructure struggles to reach millions of Indians, making satellite internet a viable alternative.

The Indian government has outlined enhanced security measures for GMPCS services, mandating legal interception of satellite communication services and barring companies from linking users' connections to terminals or facilities outside the country. All GMPCS licensees must establish Land Earth Station Gateways within India to ensure all satellite communication traffic is routed through these domestic gateways. Furthermore, satellite internet devices must be registered and authenticated in real-time within India, and companies are required to establish data centers within the country to ensure data sovereignty. Devices must also support India's NavIC satellite navigation system.

Amazon's Kuiper aims to offer broadband speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, targeting both retail and enterprise customers. The company may offer low-cost satellite internet, especially for rural and remote areas, and is developing compact, affordable satcom devices.

Amazon's entry into India's satellite broadband space is a strategic move, but Starlink has a significant edge. Starlink has already secured regulatory approvals and is exploring B2B partnerships. However, Starlink's pricing in India is steep, which may be too high for rural or low-income users. Amazon hopes to offer more affordable pricing. Amazon may even get a GMPCS permit ahead of Starlink.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that satellite companies pay 4% of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum charges to the government. TRAI also introduced an additional annual charge of ₹500 per subscriber for fixed satellite services providers in urban areas.

India's satellite communication sector is expected to reach $20 billion by 2028. Amazon's Project Kuiper is poised to be a key player in this growing market, offering a solution for connecting the unconnected and driving digital transformation across the country.