After Amazon, Leo stated that plans have been made to introduce satellite broadband services to South Africa in 2027; it can be seen that because of these developments, the country has taken a massive step towards closing its digital divide. The plan to take this forward is in partnership with Herotel, a local internet provider. This initiative aims to enhance internet connectivity for thousands of people residing in rural areas and communities with limited access to reliable broadband.
The new service, branded as ‘Evry’, combines Amazon Leo’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network with Herotel’s extensive nationwide infrastructure. The satellite is branded “evry”. Herotel is known as the largest fixed wireless internet provider in South Africa and, at present, serves more than 350,000 customers throughout 550 towns. The company will oversee customer installations, technical support, and day-to-day operations through its network of over 120 offices spread across the country in this commonwealth region.
When it comes to Amazon Leo, the partnership shows the company’s first-ever agreement in satellite broadband in Africa. One can see that the company’s larger goal is to expand and provide affordable internet services with significantly higher speeds. One of their main goals is to grow these services in regions that previously lacked reliable infrastructure. The service will rely on satellites which orbit the earth much more closely than regular, conventional communication satellites do, and by doing so, the aim is to deliver much faster internet speeds with lower latency. This will be highly beneficial for schools, healthcare, business and everyday communication.
The announcement also comes as competition in the satellite internet market continues to intensify. SpaceX‘s Starlink has expressed interest in entering South Africa but has yet to launch services in the country as it awaits regulatory approvals. Amazon Leo’s collaboration with Herotel could therefore provide it with an early advantage in reaching underserved communities and expanding its customer base.
Although financial details of the agreement were not disclosed or sent out to the public as of yet, it is expected that the project will strengthen South Africa’s digital connectivity, all the while supporting economic growth as well as social development. If it is launched in a successful manner, the initiative could provide millions of people in South Africa with improved access to online education, digital services and business opportunities.
