Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos is backing a new satellite internet project. The effort aims to compete with existing networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink. Blue Origin’s initiative is named Teledesic 2.0. It revives the Teledesic concept from the late 1990s that was intended to provide global broadband via satellites.
Teledesic 2.0 is being developed by Ka’ena Corporation, a company led by former SpaceX engineers. Bezos and other investors have provided funding for the project. The plan calls for a large constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. The satellites would work together to deliver high-speed internet to users around the world.
The project is separate from Amazon’s Project Kuiper, another satellite internet system. Amazon has been building its own broadband network of Kuiper satellites for several years. Project Kuiper has regulatory approval and is working toward service launch. Teledesic 2.0 is an independent effort not tied to Amazon’s Kuiper operations.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is currently the largest satellite internet provider. It has thousands of satellites in orbit and serves customers in many countries. Other companies, including OneWeb and Kuiper, have also launched or planned constellations. Teledesic 2.0 enters a crowded field of space-based broadband ventures.
Blue Origin itself is not running the satellite network. Instead, the backing comes through investment in Ka’ena Corporation. The involvement of former SpaceX employees gives Teledesic 2.0 technical expertise from industry veterans with experience in large satellite systems.
The constellation design for Teledesic 2.0 envisions a mesh network of satellites. This network would communicate with ground stations and user terminals. The goal is to provide broadband speeds comparable to terrestrial internet in regions where traditional infrastructure is limited.
The Teledesic name has historical roots. In the original 1990s plan, dozens of companies, including Boeing and Motorola, aimed to build a global satellite broadband network. That earlier project was never completed. Teledesic 2.0 revives the concept with modern satellite technology and lower launch costs.
The new project has not yet revealed detailed timelines for deployment or service start. Company representatives have said planning and design work is underway. Regulatory filings and approvals may be required before the network can proceed to full construction.
Satellite internet systems require large investments in hardware, launch services, and ground infrastructure. Teledesic 2.0 will need funding and coordination with launch providers. As it develops, it may pursue partnerships for satellite manufacturing and deployment.
The satellite broadband market has expanded rapidly in the past decade. New entrants have pushed up the pace of launches and service rollouts. Teledesic 2.0 adds another competitor to the global effort to provide internet from space.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/bezos-blue-origin-satellite-internet-spacex-amazon.html
