Amazon's Satellite Internet Revolution Begins Testing

Amazon is taking connectivity to new heights - literally. The tech giant has begun invite-only testing of its Leo satellite network, offering enterprises a glimpse at internet speeds that defy geography.

Three Ways to Connect

The company unveiled three terminal models designed for different needs:

• Leo Ultra: A powerhouse for extreme environments like mines and research stations, delivering 1Gbps speeds in a weatherproof package
• Leo Pro: The middle ground for remote offices and emergency situations, balancing performance with portability
• Leo Nano: A backpack-sized solution perfect for field researchers and drone operators needing lightweight connectivity

"We're not just providing internet access - we're bringing the full power of AWS to places it's never reached before," explained an Amazon spokesperson.

Built Tough, Secured Tight

The terminals aren't your average routers. Designed with military-grade durability, they can withstand:

• Temperatures from -40°C to +60°C
• Winds up to 90 km/h
• Altitudes reaching 5,000 meters

Security gets equal attention. All traffic uses AES-256 encryption and can create private tunnels directly into AWS networks - crucial for sensitive industries like finance and government.

The Sky's Not the Limit

Amazon plans an initial constellation of 3,232 satellites, with over 150 already orbiting Earth. To meet regulatory requirements, they'll need nearly 1,600 more by mid-2026.

The timeline shows ambition:

• Enterprise trials rolling out late 2025
• Full commercial service expected in 2026

The service already counts JetBlue and several international telecoms among its testers. Consumer packages will debut at AWS re:Inforce next year.

Cloud-First Strategy Sets Leo Apart

While comparisons to Starlink are inevitable, Amazon emphasizes its cloud integration as the differentiator. Each satellite doubles as an AWS edge node, letting users tap into services like EC2 and S3 from virtually anywhere on Earth.

The message is clear: Amazon isn't just connecting devices - it's extending its cloud empire beyond terrestrial limits.

Key Points:

• Speed: Up to 1Gbps downlink speeds bypass traditional internet infrastructure
• Durability: Terminals survive extreme weather conditions
• Security: Military-grade encryption protects sensitive data
• Timeline: Enterprise testing now, full launch expected by 2026
• Strategy: Tight AWS integration creates unique "satellite cloud" offering