Santander (Cantabria). Amazon’s deployment of Project Kuiper, the constellation of LEO satellites aimed at providing high-speed, low-latency internet, makes a significant step in Spain: the company now has its first ground station operational in the country, located at the Santander Teleport (PCTCAN), managed by FMC GlobalSat since 2022. The installation, with six antennas visible in an adjacent area to the main field, will serve as a link point with satellites overflying the peninsula—a move that advances Kuiper’s commercial service rollout in the Spanish market.
The choice of Santander is no coincidence. Cantabria has established itself as a connectivity hub: in addition to this Kuiper station, the region hosts submarine cable landings and projects by global operators. The recent expansion of roads and plots at the teleports has facilitated the installation of new antennas, whose presence has been documented by local media through images.
153 satellites and counting in orbit
Since Amazon launched its first 27 satellites in April 2025, the company has carried out six missions (using Atlas V and Falcon 9 rockets, including three contracted to its competitor SpaceX). After the KF-03 mission on October 13, Kuiper now has 153 satellites. Although still far from the initial goal of over 3,200 ships, this number enables testing and initial services in specific regions.
Meanwhile, Amazon has established a manufacturing hub in Florida to prepare satellites and simultaneous launch campaigns within a plan that envisions more than 80 missions to complete the initial constellation. The immediate focus is to orbit the satellites at approximately 630 km, commission them, and close the ground station network needed to ensure continuous coverage.
Why Santander and what does it mean compared to Starlink
The Kuiper ground station in Santander will operate as a private gateway linking the space network with fiber backbones connecting to the internet and client networks. It is a critical element for low latency and capacity: each gateway reduces hops, improves round-trip times, and increases the number of users that can be served per beam and satellite. In Spain, Starlink already has several stations (Ibi, Lepe, and Madrid—recently relocating its main site to Loeches), which have optimized routing and congestion; Kuiper now begins to build its own ground mesh.
The competition mainly revolves around three factors: capacity (number of satellites and gateways), latency (sensitivity to distance and load), and price/service (user kits, allowances, enterprise SLAs). In Europe, field data shows that Starlink’s latency has been improving, with variations by country (Spain still has room for reduction), while Kuiper is entering a testing phase aiming to cover underserved areas and business/public environments. The Santander station acts as a catalyst for pilots and regional deployment agreements.
What exactly has been installed
The images published by local media and industry sources show a matrix of six outdoor antennas, without radomes (protective domes) typical of Amazon and other operators in weather-prone or isolated locations. Their orientation and layout match a first phase of the station, expected to expand in number of reflectors and RF capacity as the constellation develops. The teleport operator, FMC GlobalSat, acquired Santander Teleport years ago and now appears as a ground partner for Kuiper’s gateway.
Regulatory permits and schedule in Spain
Although the Santander station is already prepared to connect with satellites passing overhead, Amazon still needs to complete additional spectrum procedures to provide end-user services (authorizations for client antenna bands). Since spectrum fees are annual, and for administrative efficiency, it is likely that the company applies for this license in early 2026, aligning with a gradual service ramp-up. Until then, the station can support link testing and constellation operations.
How it fits into Iberian infrastructure mapping
Iberia is experiencing a supercycle of investment in data centers, submarine cables, and interconnection platforms, with Madrid and the northern peninsula as the main hubs. In Cantabria, Meta has already chosen Virgen del Mar for its submarine cable to the U.S., and Google announced Sol, its second major transatlantic system touching Spain. A Kuiper ground station in Santander synthesizes with this fabric: offering high-capacity international fiber access and low-latency regional backhaul.
What users can expect when Kuiper opens in Spain
- User terminals (flat antennas) of various sizes and features, designed for homes and businesses, emphasizing easy installation and self-installation.
- Residential and business plans: Amazon has not yet published pricing for Spain, but its approach is “fast and affordable” for areas with no coverage or poor service, plus options for administrations and public sector.
- Competitive latency and throughput compared to GEO alternatives, with the inherent advantage of LEO orbit (~500–630 km) and close gateways. In LEO networks, more ground stations typically mean better routing and less congestion.
What’s next for Kuiper in Spain
In the near term, Amazon will continue expanding the fleet (ongoing missions on Atlas V and Falcon 9) and completing the European station network. In Spain, the setup of Santander and the authorization of user spectrum will determine the pace of commercial pilots. The company has reiterated its goal to connect communities and businesses “beyond the reach of current networks,” starting with rural or hard-to-access areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Amazon Kuiper’s station in Spain?
At Santander Teleport, within the Cantabria Scientific and Technological Park (PCTCAN). The facility belongs to FMC GlobalSat, which acquired the teleport in 2022. Six antennas can be seen on a nearby parcel adjacent to the main field.
How many Kuiper satellites are in orbit now, and when will service start?
After the KF-03 launch on October 13, 2025, Amazon has 153 satellites. Commercial service depends on spectum authorization for user terminals; given licensing schedules, it’s plausible that these are formalized by early 2026.
How does Kuiper differ from Starlink in Spain right now?
Starlink operates multiple ground stations (Ibi, Lepe, Madrid — recently relocated to Loeches) and has a much larger constellation today. Kuiper has activated its first gateway in Santander and is accelerating satellite and ground deployments; its aim is affordable pricing and low latency for underserved zones.
What does Cantabria gain with the Kuiper station?
It reinforces itself as a connectivity node in the north: adding a strategic satellite broadband installation to its teleport, and tying into submarine cables and large tech projects, bolstering technical employment and digital activity in the region.
via: El Diario Montañés