Amazon to Launch Leo Internet in South Africa by 2027 as Starlink Stalls on Ownership Rules
Updated
Updated · Newsday · Jul 15
Amazon to Launch Leo Internet in South Africa by 2027 as Starlink Stalls on Ownership Rules
3 articles · Updated · Newsday · Jul 15
Summary
Amazon said it will start its Leo satellite internet service in South Africa in 2027 through a partnership with local provider Herotel, marking its first satellite internet agreement in Africa.
South Africa's government backed the deal, while Elon Musk has said Starlink cannot launch there because communications rules require foreign operators to cede a minority local stake to Black or other non-white owners.
Amazon has more than 390 low-orbit satellites in operation after beginning launches last year, far behind Starlink's 10,000-plus satellites and footprint in about two dozen African countries.
The South Africa launch is Amazon's entry point for a broader African rollout with Vanu Inc., targeting a continent of more than 1.5 billion people where many rural areas still lack fixed internet access.