Japan to boost satellite connectivity with NTT, Project Kuiper collaboration
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), NTT DOCOMO, Inc. (NTT DOCOMO), NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (SKY Perfect JSAT) have formed a strategic collaboration with Project Kuiper, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network from Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN). This partnership is set to enhance satellite connectivity options for customers in Japan, offering a new level of communication availability and resilience.
Plans for Distribution and Use of Project Kuiper Services
As part of this collaboration, NTT and SKY Perfect JSAT aim to distribute Project Kuiper connectivity services to enterprises and government organizations in Japan. NTT Group companies also plan to become customers of Project Kuiper, using the service to enhance their networks, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Addressing Connectivity Challenges in Japan
Despite Japan’s advanced terrestrial communications technology, its terrain poses challenges for connectivity restoration during natural disasters and emergencies. Project Kuiper offers a rapid solution to these issues, and NTT DOCOMO plans to integrate it for better connectivity across Japan.
Project Kuiper Joins Forces with NTT and SKY Perfect JSAT to Boost Connectivity in Japan
Broad Application Range for Japanese Businesses
Japanese businesses will benefit from Project Kuiper connectivity for various applications, including internet of things (IoT), predictive maintenance, fleet management, remote manufacturing, and more. The integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) will enable advanced machine learning and AI technologies.
Exploring Broader Collaborations for Business Innovation
The companies involved plan to explore a range of collaborations for seamless Earth-to-space communication. The goal is to create new services to improve healthcare, financial services, entertainment, and sustainable resource use.
Executives’ Comments on the Collaboration
Katsuhiko Kawazoe of NTT and other executives from NTT DOCOMO and SKY Perfect JSAT have expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. They emphasized the significance of enhancing connectivity infrastructure and innovating for customer satisfaction and business growth.
Role of Project Kuiper and AWS in the Collaboration
Project Kuiper and AWS play critical roles in this partnership, with Project Kuiper preparing to offer reliable LEO broadband services in Japan. AWS Japan’s president, Tadao Nagasaki, highlighted the expansion of customer possibilities with Project Kuiper connectivity services.
Future Developments and Beta Testing Plans
Project Kuiper has achieved significant milestones, including a successful prototype satellite test mission. Beta testing of connectivity services with select customers and partners, including NTT and SKY Perfect JSAT, is expected to begin in the second half of 2024.