Major Connectivity Boost for Ireland as Project Kuiper Approved

URGENT UPDATE: Ireland is set to experience a significant boost in internet connectivity with the approval of Amazon’s Project Kuiper gateway at the National Space Centre (NSC) in Elfordstown, Midleton, Cork. This landmark decision was announced earlier today, marking a pivotal moment for satellite broadband services in Ireland.

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has granted permission for operations within the 18GHz and 28GHz frequency bands, allowing Project Kuiper to commence its satellite broadband services. This initiative aims to provide high-speed, reliable internet access to underserved communities across the country.

“National Space Centre is proud to partner with Amazon to deliver Project Kuiper in Ireland,” said Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO of NSC. “This collaboration highlights Elfordstown’s role as a hub for cutting-edge satellite communications and strengthens Ireland’s position in the global space sector.”

The Project Kuiper gateway is one of hundreds of sites being deployed worldwide, and its launch in Ireland places the country among the first in Europe to receive general service. The low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite network will significantly enhance broadband quality and reliability, especially for those in rural and remote areas.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper is on track to deploy over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit, creating a robust mesh network that connects various ground stations. Currently, there are 129 Kuiper satellites successfully in orbit, following five operational launches since April 2025.

The economic implications of Project Kuiper are significant. A recent study by Oxford Economics revealed that the project will contribute an estimated €2.8 billion to the EU’s GDP over the next decade and support approximately 3,270 jobs annually. In Ireland, the gateway operation at NSC is a critical addition to the country’s growing space sector, which is seen as a strategic area for economic growth.

“It’s never been more important for people to have access to high-speed, low-latency internet,” stated Alison Dunn, Amazon’s country manager for Ireland. “Project Kuiper will play an essential role in connecting those beyond the reach of existing networks.”

The announcement coincides with Irish Space Week (October 4-10, 2025), underscoring the increasing significance of the space industry to Ireland’s economy and technological advancements. As Project Kuiper gears up for a commercial beta rollout to select government and business customers later this year, a broader rollout is planned for next year, with Ireland set to be at the forefront of this transformation.

As anticipation builds for the launch of Project Kuiper in Ireland, stakeholders are keenly watching how this initiative will reshape the landscape of internet access and support the nation’s aspirations in the global space economy.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The future of connectivity in Ireland is about to change dramatically.