Amazon has launched Leo Ultra, a new satellite internet service receiver, positioning it as a faster and more secure alternative to Starlink for high-demand business and government clients.
The Leo Ultra dish, measuring 20×30 inches, is the first receiver developed under Amazon’s Project Kuiper. It aims to serve specific markets, including large enterprises and government agencies, rather than the general consumer market that Starlink primarily targets.
Amazon claims Leo Ultra offers the fastest satellite internet connection available, boasting download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and upload speeds of 400 megabits per second (Mbps). This speed significantly surpasses Starlink’s current Performance Kit, which offers a maximum of 400 Mbps download.
A key advantage for Leo Ultra is its deep integration with the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem and private networking services. This integration is designed to enhance cybersecurity, a critical concern for sensitive corporate and governmental data.
Older satellite networks often carry risks of serious data breaches due to unencrypted connections. Amazon’s direct connection to AWS and private network options aim to provide a more secure environment for its high-profile clients.
Despite Leo Ultra’s current speed lead, the competition is escalating. Starlink is preparing to launch its V3 satellite upgrades, which are expected to support a total bandwidth of 1 terabit per second (Tbps).
Starlink has also pledged to deliver gigabit speeds to its customers beginning next year. This ongoing technological race pits two major tech giants against each other in the expanding low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet sector, where Starlink has historically been the market leader.