Amazon Leo to bring satellite internet to South Africa in 2027

Amazon’s low-Earth orbit satellite internet project, Amazon Leo, has announced a partnership with South Africa’s leading fixed internet service provider, Herotel, to deliver broadband services to underserved rural areas. The agreement was revealed in Johannesburg on July 15, with the commercial launch of the service, named evry, scheduled for 2027. This marks a significant step in expanding high-speed internet access across parts of Africa where traditional infrastructure remains limited. The collaboration between Amazon Leo and Herotel aims to bridge the digital divide by leveraging satellite technology to connect remote communities. Herotel, owned by Maziv, currently serves over 350,000 customers across more than 550 towns using fibre and fixed wireless networks. With its extensive presence, the company plans to support the deployment and maintenance of the satellite-based service once it becomes operational. The initiative is part of broader efforts by satellite internet providers to enhance connectivity in regions where laying physical cables is economically unfeasible. This move follows similar agreements made by Amazon Leo earlier this year, including one with Vodafone to integrate its network with base stations in difficult-to-reach areas via Vodacom, its South African subsidiary. These partnerships highlight the growing interest in utilizing satellite technology to improve internet accessibility in challenging environments. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Starlink is also exploring entry into the South African market, though it faces regulatory hurdles related to foreign ownership and compliance with local empowerment laws. South Africa has long struggled with uneven internet coverage, particularly in rural and agricultural zones. Millions of residents in these areas lack consistent access to reliable broadband services due to the high costs and logistical challenges associated with deploying conventional fibre or wireless networks. The introduction of satellite-based solutions such as evry could potentially transform how these communities engage with online resources, enabling better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer, emphasized the importance of the partnership in his statement. He described the collaboration as a means of “breaking down barriers and unlocking opportunity” for individuals lacking dependable internet access. By combining Amazon Leo’s cutting-edge satellite technology with Herotel’s established distribution network, the project seeks to create a sustainable model for delivering broadband services in previously unreachable locations. The financial terms of the agreement between Amazon Leo and Herotel were not disclosed, reflecting the confidential nature of many corporate deals. However, the strategic alignment between the two entities underscores a shared commitment to addressing the technological disparities that persist in parts of Africa. As other companies like SpaceX continue to navigate regulatory landscapes, the success of initiatives such as evry could influence future investments and policy reforms in the region. With the launch date set for 2027, the project represents a tangible effort to modernize connectivity in South Africa. It builds upon existing collaborations and sets a precedent for how satellite internet can complement terrestrial networks in overcoming geographic and economic constraints. The coming years will likely see further developments in this space, driven by both private sector innovation and evolving regulatory frameworks.