Antenna Innovation Unveiled
Amazon has initiated a critical phase in its satellite internet endeavor, Project Leo, by testing a specially designed antenna. This advanced piece of
equipment is being developed in collaboration with Get SAT, an Israeli company renowned for its compact satellite communication terminals. Get SAT, now under the ownership of the French defense giant Thales, brings considerable expertise to the table. The testing involves custom-made Nano antennas, which appear to be more robust and potentially more powerful than Amazon's own portable Leo Nano device, despite the latter offering impressive speeds up to 100Mbps. Get SAT highlights their antennas' superior directivity and gain, promising robust performance even in demanding environments. This collaboration signifies a significant step in bolstering Leo's infrastructure to rival existing satellite internet providers.
Regulatory Hurdles Cleared
To move forward with its ambitious plans, Amazon has formally requested experimental authority from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The company aims to commence testing of these custom antennas, integrated with an 'Amazon Leo Modem Module' (ALMM), by April 15, 2026. The proposed test site is located just north of Los Angeles, indicating a controlled environment for evaluating the new technology. This filing follows Amazon's earlier announcement to the FCC about exploring partnerships with third-party antenna manufacturers. The ALMM itself is a sophisticated component, described as a standalone Ka-band phased array antenna manufactured by Get SAT, coupled with an Amazon Leo-developed Merlin ASIC modem chip and radiofrequency transceiver circuitry mounted on a circuit board. The ultimate goal is to integrate this ALMM with various antenna systems from Amazon's partners, making this testing phase a vital step in the qualification process.
Competitive Landscape Shift
Opening its Leo satellite internet system to third-party antenna integration is a strategic maneuver by Amazon to gain a competitive edge. SpaceX's Starlink currently dominates the market with over 10 million customers and has already launched its own service, Starshield, tailored for government and military use. By enabling compatibility with different antenna manufacturers, Amazon aims to broaden Leo's appeal to a wider range of customers, including enterprise, government, and individual consumers. While Leo has secured some significant clients like Delta Air Lines and JetBlue, it remains in a private beta phase, primarily serving select business customers. With approximately 200 satellites currently operational, Amazon is actively planning hundreds of additional launches and is lobbying the FCC to extend operational deadlines, underscoring its commitment to scaling up its satellite constellation.
