Amazon Launches 'Leo Ultra' Antenna to Compete with Starlink in Satellite Internet Market
Amazon is intensifying its competition against Starlink in the satellite internet market with the launch of the Leo Ultra, its most advanced antenna to date.
The new device represents a significant advancement in satellite internet technology, offering download speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second and upload speeds reaching 400 Megabits per second, catering to businesses and governments that require fast and reliable connectivity in challenging environments.
* Transition to Commercial Readiness
Following a testing phase, Amazon's space project has revealed a network currently comprising over 150 satellites in orbit.
The new antenna, the fastest in its class, is notable for its lack of moving parts, making it more resilient to harsh weather conditions and easier to install.
It is designed to serve sectors operating in remote areas, including energy, agriculture, aviation, and logistics.
* Advanced Technical Features
Amazon has employed specialized electronic chips, advanced frequency technology, and intelligent signal processing algorithms in the development of Leo Ultra, enhancing response times and communication efficiency—critical factors for cloud computing applications, video conferencing, and real-time monitoring.
Amazon aims to provide a more secure service compared to traditional satellite communication systems based on GEO, which, according to recent university reports, have vulnerabilities such as leaks of VoIP call data and email access credentials.
To ensure security, Amazon offers comprehensive network-level encryption.
* Support for the Private Sector and Dedicated Networks
Amazon plans to deliver advanced solutions for the business sector through centralized management tools and 24/7 technical support.
The company offers two primary options for connecting businesses to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud without utilizing the public internet:
1 _ Direct to AWS: Connects the antenna directly to cloud tasks via a simple dashboard.
2 _ Private Network Interconnect: Allows for customized connections in data centers for businesses and institutions, reducing setup time from months to days.
* Experience and Commercial Future
Amazon has already begun shipping devices to selected customers as part of its early access program, with plans to expand testing with the addition of more satellites.
The company intends to launch the service commercially next year, aiming for significant expansion to meet the needs of growing markets.
* Competition with Starlink
As Starlink prepares to roll out new updates (V3) to enhance capacity and performance, Amazon asserts that the "Leo Ultra" antennas will deliver higher speeds than current offerings from Starlink for businesses, escalating the competition between the two giants in the satellite internet arena.
This marks the beginning of a serious contest for market leadership in satellite internet, as Amazon provides a fast and secure alternative for connecting institutions and governments to the internet, making the race for satellite internet more exciting in the coming years.
