Amazon starts an initial preview for business customers with its Starlink alternative Leo. At launch, it achieves download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 400 Mbps.
Amazon announces the launch of Leo. This is a new satellite-based internet service that was previously known as Project Kuiper and is intended to offer an alternative to SpaceX and Elon Musk’s Starlink internet. The new name doesn’t require much explanation: Leo stands for low earth orbit, which is where the satellites are positioned.
In spring, Amazon started the first satellite launches and now it’s putting the service in preview for business customers. To receive the internet, users need a Leo Ultra terminal that establishes the connection between earth and space.
Speeds up to 1 Gbps
The antenna supports download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 400 Mbps. According to Amazon, this makes it the fastest satellite antenna in the world, if it can actually achieve those speeds. The highest speed that Starlink can currently reach is capped at 350 Mbps. The actual speed of a network depends on various environmental factors.
The antenna is resistant to extreme weather conditions and features its own silicon chip, developed by Amazon. The chip optimizes signal processing and latency for demanding applications such as video conferencing, real-time monitoring, and cloud computing.
With Amazon Leo, the tech giant aims to reach businesses and organizations operating in areas where traditional networks fall short. The service offers network management via a web console, encryption across the entire network, and 24/7 support. Two private network solutions are available: a direct connection to AWS and Private Network Interconnect via colocation facilities.
Preview program starts
Amazon is now starting a preview program where selected customers from various sectors can test the system. Among the first testers are U.S. companies JetBlue, Hunt Energy Network, and Crane Worldwide Logistics. They will receive hardware such as the Leo Ultra and Leo Pro.
Amazon Leo currently has more than 150 satellites in low Earth orbit. Over 80 missions are planned to further expand the network. The commercial rollout of Amazon Leo is expected in the course of next year. That’s when Amazon aims to compete with Starlink.
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