Amazon Leo competes with Starlink by providing a network for external antennas

Amazon Leo opens its network to third‑party antennas

The satellite internet operator Amazon Leo announced plans to make its network compatible with antennas that can be produced by both government agencies and private suppliers. In filings submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a new module – ALMM (Advanced Low‑Latency Modem Module) – is mentioned.

What is ALMM?
- A compact, high‑performance device that allows Amazon Leo’s network functions to be integrated with antennas manufactured by third parties.
- Intended for corporate and government customers.
- Provides speeds up to 1 Gbps.
- Enables the use of proprietary antenna equipment without loss of connection quality.

Why it matters
In traditional satellite systems, the modem and control are combined into a single device, limiting design and upgrade possibilities. By separating these functions:

1. Innovation cycles accelerate – new solutions can be deployed faster.
2. Flexibility for customers – they can choose materials, sizes, and gain factors that best suit their needs.
3. Reduces component obsolescence risk – the separate module is easier to update.
4. Supports compatibility – any third‑party supplier can develop and certify an antenna by connecting it to Amazon Leo’s network via the ALMM interface.

Licensing plans
Amazon Leo requested from the FCC a “general license” for operating the modem module in both stationary mode and while moving (cars, aircraft, ships). The device will be sold only to government and corporate clients, not consumers.

What this means for the ecosystem
- Amazon Leo is creating its own network of partner antenna manufacturers, competing with the SpaceX Starlink model, where over 10 million customers already use reseller and dealer services.
- Opening ALMM reduces equipment costs, speeds up network deployment, and allows customers to redirect existing investments in research and manufacturing.

Current figures and plans
Metric Value
Number of satellites now ≈210
Planned number by end of July ≈700
Expected connection speed (Leo Ultra) up to 1 Gbps

This year SpaceX also plans to reach similar speeds, but Amazon Leo is already working on this as part of the Leo Ultra project.