Amazon has taken a major step in the global satellite internet race by unveiling its first hardware called “Amazon Leo” for its upcoming satellite internet service. The company has begun sending its new satellite internet equipment to selected business and government partners as part of an enterprise preview. With this, the company is positioning itself as a strong competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink.
Amazon Leo uses a network of satellites that orbit close to Earth. The company announced on a blog on Monday, November 24, that it already has more than 150 satellites in orbit for this service. Their next mission is scheduled for December 15, which will send another 27 satellites to low Earth orbit.
The main device of the system is called “Leo Ultra”. Amazon says this ‘durable and weather-resistant’ antenna can provide up to 1 Gbps download speed and up to 400 Mbps upload speed. Amazon will offer two smaller devices. Leo Pro is a medium-capacity option and Leo Nano is a compact device for lighter needs.
Experts see Amazon Leo as the company’s answer to Starlink. Both companies are trying to expand internet access through satellite networks.
Starlink already operates in many countries, including Bangladesh. They target both home users and businesses. Amazon says Leo is mainly built for businesses, industries, emergency teams and government offices that need a strong and secure internet in remote locations.
The system can connect directly with Amazon Web Services. This allows secure data transfer and private networks instead of public internet links.
With Amazon Leo’s availability in Bangladesh alongside Starlink in future, people would have more than one satellite internet option to choose from. This could lead to better service, fairer prices and stronger internet coverage in remote and undeserved areas.
