Amazon broadband project ready to blast off

By MATT OTT
AP Business Writer

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — Amazon has deals with three rocket companies to help launch communications satellites that the online retail giant says will help provide fast, affordable broadband to millions of underserved people around the world. Amazon said Tuesday that Arianespace, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin will combine for up to 83 launches during the next five years, deploying the majority of Amazon’s 3,236 low-earth satellites to be used for what Amazon is calling “Project Kuiper.” Amazon has 1,000 employees working on the project, which it says will serve tens of millions of residential, business, and government customers in places without dependable broadband.