Amazon is joining the race for South American internet dominance! Partnering with telecommunications company Vrio, Amazon will launch a new satellite internet service across seven South American countries. This move directly targets Elon Musk’s Starlink project, aiming to deliver high-speed internet to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Many of these regions currently struggle with unreliable or limited internet access.
Vrio, the company managing DirecTV Latin America and Sky Brazil, will handle distribution for this project, leveraging their experience in the region. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, spearheaded by a former Starlink employee, will provide the internet access using a network of low Earth orbit satellites. This technology promises faster internet speeds and lower latency compared to traditional satellite internet options.
The project is expected to launch in mid-2025, with Argentina being the first country to benefit. This collaboration between Amazon and Vrio has the potential to bridge the digital divide in South America, offering high-speed internet to millions who currently lack it. With Project Kuiper still under development, this timeline could change. However, it signifies Amazon’s commitment to bringing reliable and affordable internet to the region.
This new initiative heats up the competition for South American internet supremacy. While Starlink already has a presence in most South American countries, Amazon and Vrio’s partnership could lead to competitive pricing and service options, ultimately benefiting South American consumers.