Amazon has officially launched enterprise testing for its new satellite internet service, Leo, directly challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink in the rapidly growing space-based connectivity market.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon begins enterprise preview of its Leo satellite internet service.
- The service aims to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
- Leo Ultra terminal offers speeds up to 1 Gbps download and 400 Mbps upload.
- Over 150 satellites already deployed toward a planned constellation of 3,236.
- Early partners include JetBlue, Vanu Inc., and Hunt Energy Network.
Amazon Leo Enterprise Testing Begins
Amazon has started testing its Leo satellite internet service with select business customers, marking a significant step in its competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company confirmed it has initiated an “enterprise preview” program, inviting businesses to test production hardware and software before a broader public launch.
The testing phase is designed to gather feedback and help Amazon customize solutions for various industries. The service, recently renamed from Project Kuiper to Amazon Leo, references the Low Earth Orbit region where its satellite constellation operates.
Amazon’s Satellite Internet Ambitions
Amazon’s satellite internet plan, originally unveiled six years ago, involves deploying a constellation of 3,236 satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally. The company has already deployed over 150 satellites since April, using rocket partners including United Launch Alliance and .
This positions Amazon to challenge Starlink, which currently leads the market with nearly 9,000 satellites in orbit.
Introducing Amazon Leo Ultra
Amazon has unveiled the final production design of Amazon Leo Ultra, an advanced enterprise-focused terminal built for demanding private and public sector needs. The terminal features a full-duplex phased array antenna capable of reaching download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 400 Mbps.
Key features of Leo Ultra include:
- Resilience against harsh weather conditions including extreme temperatures and strong winds
- Compact, integrated design with no moving parts for quick installation
- Custom silicon chip with Amazon’s radio frequency design for improved throughput
- Advanced networking with simultaneous upload and download functions
Enterprise Features and Connectivity
Amazon Leo will include enterprise-ready features such as simple network management tools, strong encryption, and round-the-clock priority support. The service is designed to support critical tasks including real-time data analysis, remote operations, and secure field communications.
The service will connect directly to (AWS) and other cloud systems, allowing businesses to move data securely from remote sites without using the public internet. Connectivity options include Direct to AWS for reduced latency and Private Network Interconnect for establishing private links at major data centers.
Early Adoption and Expansion Plans
Amazon Leo has already secured agreements with several companies across different sectors, including JetBlue, Vanu Inc., Hunt Energy Network, Connected Farms, and Crane Worldwide Logistics. The company has started shipping Leo Pro and Leo Ultra units to selected companies and plans to expand access as network coverage and capacity increase.
