Amazon Launches 'Leo Ultra' Antenna, Competing with Starlink for High-Speed Satellite Internet
Amazon is intensifying its competition with Starlink in the satellite internet sector by unveiling the 'Leo Ultra', its most advanced communication antenna to date.
The new device marks a significant leap in satellite internet technology, providing download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second and upload speeds of up to 400 megabits per second. It is aimed at businesses and governments that require high-speed and reliable connectivity in challenging environments.
* Transition to Commercial Readiness
Following a testing phase, Amazon's space project has established a network comprising over 150 satellites currently in orbit.
The 'Leo Ultra' antenna is noted for its speed and lack of moving parts, enhancing its durability against adverse weather conditions and simplifying installation.
It has been designed to support sectors operating in remote locations, including energy, agriculture, aviation, and logistics.
* Advanced Technical Features
In developing the Leo Ultra, Amazon employs specialized electronic chips, advanced frequency engineering, and intelligent algorithms for signal processing. These innovations aim to improve response times and enhance connection efficiency, which is crucial for cloud computing, virtual conferencing, and real-time monitoring.
Amazon seeks to provide a more secure service compared to traditional GEO satellite communication systems, which recent academic studies have indicated are vulnerable to security risks, including data leaks from VoIP calls and email access credentials. To address these concerns, Amazon offers comprehensive network-level encryption.
* Support for the Private Sector and Dedicated Networks
Amazon aims to deliver advanced solutions for businesses through centralized management tools and 24/7 technical support.
The company provides two primary options for connecting businesses to Amazon Web Services (AWS) without relying on public internet:
1 _ Direct to AWS: connects the antenna directly to cloud tasks via a user-friendly control panel.
2 _ Private Network Interconnection: allows for dedicated connections in data centers for businesses and institutions, reducing setup time from months to days.
* Experience and Future Commercial Plans
Amazon has begun shipping devices to selected clients as part of an early preview program, with plans to expand testing soon by adding more satellites.
The company aims to launch commercial services next year, with hopes of significantly scaling to meet the demands of growing markets.
* Competition with Starlink
As Starlink prepares to roll out new updates (V3) to enhance capabilities and performance, Amazon asserts that the 'Leo Ultra' antennas provide faster speeds than Starlink's current offerings for businesses, marking a new phase of competition between the two giants in the satellite internet arena.
This development signals the beginning of a serious contest for leadership in the satellite internet market, where Amazon presents a fast and secure alternative for connecting institutions and governments, making the battle for satellite internet increasingly competitive in the coming years.
