- Taiwan is negotiating with Amazon to access its Project Kuiper satellite broadband service, viewed as the most advanced option despite not yet being operational.
- Taiwan seeks a satellite broadband solution to mitigate risks from submarine cable outages and potential Chinese cyber threats to its digital infrastructure.
What happened: Taiwan explores partnership with Amazon’s Kuiper for satellite broadband
Taiwan is currently in discussions with Amazon about using its Project Kuiper satellite broadband service. The talks were confirmed by Cheng-Wen Wu, Taiwan’s Minister for the National Science and Technology Council, who highlighted Kuiper as the most mature satellite broadband service available, even though it is not yet operational. Taiwan’s search for alternatives to traditional broadband options comes in response to its vulnerability to submarine cable failures, which have previously caused significant disruptions.
Currently, Taiwan is unable to use SpaceX’s Starlink due to the company’s refusal to meet local ownership requirements set by Taiwanese regulators. The other available satellite broadband provider, Eutelsat OneWeb, is unable to meet the island’s growing bandwidth needs. This makes Amazon’s Kuiper an attractive option, although its full-scale deployment is only set for 2025.
Taiwan has previously suffered from internet isolation, with submarine cables between its outlying islands and mainland being damaged in 2023. In the face of increasing concerns about cyber-attacks from China, which has the potential to disrupt Taiwan’s internet infrastructure, the country is actively seeking to bolster its connectivity options with satellite broadband services. The potential collaboration with Amazon could provide a long-term solution to Taiwan’s digital security challenges.
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Why it’s important
Taiwan’s pursuit of satellite broadband is driven by its dependency on submarine cables, which are vulnerable to physical damage, particularly in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions with China. Taiwan has had direct experience with the fragility of its digital infrastructure, most notably when cables connecting the island to outlying territories were damaged in 2023, leaving the country isolated for a significant period. The island’s digital infrastructure is a vital part of its economy, especially in relation to its semiconductor production, which is essential to the global supply chain.
The threat of cyber-attacks from China is a growing concern, as Beijing has been known to target Taiwan’s digital infrastructure. As a result, ensuring the resilience of Taiwan’s internet connectivity is of strategic importance, not just for the island itself but also for its international trading partners. If China were to disrupt Taiwan’s internet, it could have severe economic and political repercussions worldwide, especially given Taiwan’s critical role in global technology markets.
By securing a partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Taiwan could mitigate these risks. Project Kuiper, with its satellite constellation scheduled for deployment in 2025, promises to provide a reliable broadband alternative that isn’t reliant on vulnerable submarine cables. This would be a significant step in ensuring Taiwan’s internet security and maintaining its position in the global economy, while also potentially sending a strong geopolitical message about Taiwan’s digital independence from Chinese influence. The outcome of these discussions, and the eventual implementation of Project Kuiper, could reshape Taiwan’s broadband landscape and strengthen its resilience against both natural and geopolitical disruptions.
