Amazon continues to invest in Project Kuiper, a satellite project that could rival Elon Musk's Starlink, despite cost-cutting measures elsewhere.
Project Kuiper aims to launch a constellation of internet-beaming satellites, highlighting massive profit potential and a desire for strategic independence from Musk.
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet venture, has seen rapid growth, with projected revenue of $12.3 billion for 2025 and an impressive EBITDA margin of 61%.
Kuiper aims to tap into the $1 trillion total addressable market in terrestrial telecom and broadband services, providing Amazon with a potential high-margin business opportunity.
With only limited satellite communication spectrum available in space, Kuiper is positioned to be a significant competitor to Starlink.
Amazon's satellite ambitions also stem from a need for autonomy, as it aims to reduce reliance on Musk's Starlink for broadband access, crucial for its cloud business AWS.
By owning the satellite infrastructure, Amazon can control quality, pricing, and reach, reducing dependencies on third-party providers and providing a direct highway to the cloud.
Project Kuiper is strategically positioned to unlock billion-dollar upside for Amazon while ensuring independence from potential geopolitical and commercial risks.
As Starlink paves the way and Kuiper scales its constellation, Amazon's investment in satellite infrastructure appears to be a calculated and savvy move.