Amazon Leo to Launch Satellite Internet Service in South Africa in 2027

Amazon Leo, Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite internet network, has signed an agreement with Herotel to connect households and small businesses in rural areas of South Africa to the internet. The service, which will be offered under the name “evry,” is planned to become commercially available in 2027. The agreement marks Amazon Leo’s first partnership of this scope in Africa.

Amazon Leo to Focus on Areas Beyond the Reach of Fiber

Herotel, South Africa’s largest fixed internet service provider, will use Amazon Leo technology to provide connectivity in areas where fiber and fixed wireless networks cannot reach for economic or technical reasons.

Millions of people living on farms, in small towns, and in rural communities across the country are unable to access reliable internet services due to long distances, difficult terrain, and low population density. The new system is intended to support not only households but also small businesses in accessing online sales, digital payments, cloud services, and artificial intelligence-based applications.

Herotel to Handle Installation and Customer Services

Herotel serves more than 350,000 active customers across over 550 towns throughout South Africa. The company’s 120 offices nationwide will be used for the installation of the evry service, customer support, and field operations. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, said the partnership aims to remove barriers faced by millions of people who cannot access reliable internet and to create new opportunities for access to work, education, and essential services.

Herotel CEO Van Zyl Botha stated that South Africans living outside major cities should also have access to reliable and affordable internet, adding that evry will enable the company to reach customers beyond the coverage of fiber and fixed wireless networks.

Satellite Count Reaches 396

Previously known as “Project Kuiper,” Amazon Leo plans to provide low-latency internet through a satellite network operating approximately 590 to 630 kilometers above Earth. Amazon has placed a total of 396 satellites into orbit following 14 missions. The network is expected to support services such as video calls, remote working, online education, and high-definition streaming.