Amazon makes move in Spain: how Project Kuiper is preparing for its entry with 77 local operators

Amazon is continuing to prepare the arrival of Project Kuiper, its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet network, to the Spanish market. Although the company has not yet announced an official launch date, the supporting ecosystem for the service is already taking shape. Spanish company IBSAT has confirmed it will act as an authorized Amazon LEO distributor in Spain and Portugal, relying on a network of 77 local and regional operators to market and install the service.

This news represents one of Amazon’s most significant moves in the Spanish market since the deployment of its satellite constellation began. It not only confirms Spain as a key European market but also reveals a commercial strategy different from that of other satellite internet providers.

The key points of Amazon LEO deployment in 30 seconds

• Amazon is preparing to bring Project Kuiper to Spain with a network of 77 local operators.
• IBSAT will act as an authorized distributor for Spain and Portugal.
• Project Kuiper has launched 396 satellites, but needs at least 578 to start commercial service.
• Spanish infrastructure includes a ground station in Santander and regulatory applications for operation.
• The distribution model prioritizes companies, public administrations, and local technical support.

In recent months, several signs have pointed to the imminent deployment of Project Kuiper in Spain. First was the construction of a ground station in Santander, followed by the request for the necessary frequencies to connect future user antennas with the constellation.

Now, a new element has appeared: the commercial network.

Amazon bets on a distribution model similar to local fiber providers

One of the most striking aspects of Amazon’s chosen model is that it does not intend to handle all sales directly.

Instead, the company has decided to rely on telecommunications operators already active in the Spanish market, many of whom specialize in rural deployments, enterprise connectivity, or wireless networks.

This strategy offers several advantages:

• Close technical support;
• Knowledge of the local market;
• Immediate installation capacity;
• Integration with existing corporate networks;
• Managed services for businesses and administrations.

It’s no coincidence that many of these operators already work routinely with professional connectivity solutions, backup links, or infrastructure in areas where fiber optic deployment is still limited.

Project Kuiper accelerates its global deployment

While building out its commercial network, Amazon continues to expand its constellation.

Currently, the project has:

Although there is not yet continuous coverage across the entire Iberian Peninsula, the satellite constellation is growing steadily.

Regulatory authorization and increasing the number of satellites will be the two key factors determining the start of commercial service.

Competition for Starlink… but with a different philosophy

Project Kuiper inevitably invites comparison with Starlink, although both projects have significant differences.

All signs point to Amazon wanting to leverage the reach of small Spanish operators, a well-established segment that has led fiber optic deployment to thousands of municipalities in recent years.

Operators involved in the project

The network published by IBSAT includes companies distributed across nearly all autonomous communities in Spain.

Among them are operators such as:

In addition to these operators, the network includes dozens of regional ISPs across Andalusia, Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Madrid, Catalonia, Murcia, Extremadura, Aragón, Basque Country, Canary Islands, and Balearic Islands.

In total, there are 77 partner operators, forming one of the largest commercial networks created thus far for deploying an LEO constellation in Spain.

Spain gains importance within the European strategy

Spain possesses several factors that make it an especially attractive market for Project Kuiper.

On one hand, it has a significant base of independent operators capable of providing local support. On the other hand, there are still areas where fiber connectivity is challenging or cost-prohibitive.

Additionally, there is growing interest among companies, public administrations, critical infrastructure, and industrial sectors in having redundant links to mitigate potential network disruptions.

If Amazon finally begins commercial operations in the coming months, it will do so with an already deployed technical infrastructure and a commercial network ready to accelerate installations from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amazon Project Kuiper available in Spain?

Not yet. Amazon has not officially announced the start date for commercial service but is already preparing the necessary infrastructure.

What role will IBSAT play?

IBSAT will act as an authorized distributor for Amazon LEO in Spain and Portugal, coordinating a network of 77 partner operators.

How many satellites does Project Kuiper currently have?

Amazon has launched 396 satellites, but the company needs at least 578 to offer continuous coverage and commence service.

Who will be able to subscribe initially?

All indications point to an initial focus on the professional segment, especially companies, public administrations, and organizations requiring high-availability connectivity.

Sources:

• IBSAT (Official network of Amazon LEO operators in Spain and Portugal).