Amazon to compete with Starlink in Ireland seeking permission for Cork satellite ground station

Joins a growing number of satellite internet services

The National Space Centre at Elfordstown, Midleton, Co Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

Amazon is seeking approval for a new ground station located in East Cork to service its new Kuiper satellite internet service, competing directly with Starlink.

The retail and tech giant has sought approval from Ireland's telecommunications regulator Comreg, for a ground station that will be located at the National Space Centre in Elfordstown in Midleton.

Similar to Elon Musk's Starlink internet service, Amazon said its Kuiper system will be made up of a constellation of low-earth-orbiting satellites and end-user terminals, along with earth stations to track and command the satellites and provide backhaul services. In April, Amazon launched 27 satellites into orbit with another launch to take place this week.

Along with Starlink and Kuiper, a number of other companies are planning competition satellite internet programmes, including European consortium Eutelsat.

If granted a licence, Amazon would have permission to operate the ground station on certain frequencies to avoid conflicting with other communication services and radio frequencies.

Amazon lodged the application with Comreg in May. The regulator said its preliminary view is that the proposed ground station would not interfere to existing services and proposes to grant the licence but is seeking submissions from any interested parties by July 18.

In March, Starlink lodged an application with Comreg for a ground station to be located in Killala, Co. Mayo, as it continues to expand its services. The company already operates a ground station located at Garretstown in West Cork.

Amazon plans to ultimately operate a constellation of 3,236 satellites to sell internet connectivity to consumers as well as corporate and government clients through a $10bn (€8.8bn) investment. The company said it expects to begin offering internet services to customers by the end of the year.

The National Space Centre (NSC) in Elfordstown provides commercial broadcast services, ground control support for satellites and spacecraft, academic research partnerships and space industry consulting. Opened in 1984, it is Europe’s most westerly teleport.