Amazon Launches 'Leo Ultra' Antenna to Compete with Starlink in Satellite Internet Market
Amazon is intensifying its competition with Starlink in the satellite internet market with the introduction of its latest device, the Leo Ultra, touted as the most powerful antenna in its space communication system.
The new antenna marks 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. It is designed to cater to businesses and government entities requiring fast and reliable connectivity in challenging work environments.
* Transition to Commercial Readiness
Following its testing phase, Amazon's space project has established a network currently comprising over 150 satellites in orbit.
The Leo Ultra, recognized as the fastest in its category, features a design without moving parts, enhancing its durability against extreme weather conditions and simplifying installation.
It is specifically engineered to support sectors operating in remote areas, including energy, agriculture, aviation, and logistics.
* Advanced Technical Benefits
Amazon has incorporated specialized electronic chips, advanced frequency engineering, and intelligent algorithms for signal processing in the development of the Leo Ultra. These innovations enhance response times and improve connection efficiency, which is crucial for cloud computing applications, video conferencing, and real-time monitoring.
Amazon aims to provide a more secure service compared to traditional space communication systems using GEO satellites, which have recently been reported to have security vulnerabilities, such as data leaks from VoIP calls and email login information. To ensure security, Amazon offers comprehensive network-level encryption.
* Support for 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 also 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 dashboard.
2 _ Private Network Interconnect: allows for the creation of dedicated links within data centers for businesses and institutions, reducing setup time from several months to just a few days.
* Experience and Commercial Future
Amazon has begun shipping devices to select customers as part of an early preview program, with plans to expand testing by adding more satellites.
The company aims to launch the service commercially next year, hoping to significantly expand to meet the needs of growing markets.
* Competing with Starlink
As Starlink prepares to roll out new updates (V3) to enhance its capabilities and performance, Amazon claims that the Leo Ultra antennas provide superior speeds compared to Starlink's current offerings for businesses, marking a new phase of competition between the two satellite internet giants.
This development signals the beginning of a serious contest for dominance in the satellite internet market, with Amazon presenting a fast and secure alternative for connecting institutions and governments to the internet, making the battle for satellite internet more compelling in the years ahead.
