• Amazon plans to launch satellite internet services in South Africa in 2026
• Project would rely on partnerships with local operators, unlike Starlink’s model
• Regulatory rules and a large unconnected population shape the strategy

Amazon is preparing to roll out its satellite internet services in South Africa, shortly after securing regulatory approval in Nigeria, according to South African tech news outlet ITWeb. The deployment is expected later in 2026.

ITWeb cited Helen Kyeyune, Amazon Leo’s head of regulatory affairs and licensing for sub-Saharan Africa, speaking late last week during public hearings held by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The hearings form part of consultations on the second draft of the 2025 National Radio Frequency Plan.

Kyeyune said Amazon Leo aims to support the expansion of internet coverage in South Africa by providing satellite backhaul capacity to local internet service providers. Under this model, Amazon would partner with domestic operators to deliver network services. “As a result, we are partnering with local partners to provide the network and service. The local partners will own the customer and will be responsible for that, in a regulatory manner,” she said. Amazon, she added, would work with the regulator to ensure that spectrum and other resources are negotiated and approved in a way that supports service delivery by those partners.

A different market approach

At least initially, this positioning suggests a different approach from Starlink, which markets its services directly to end users through dedicated terminals. Amazon, however, also plans to offer customer equipment operating on a similar basis.

The question is whether this reflects a phased rollout strategy. Kyeyune said Amazon Leo intends to start by serving a limited number of customers under a commercial beta. Wider deployment would follow as additional satellites are launched and network coverage and capacity increase. Amazon already has an agreement to support South African telecoms group Vodacom in strengthening and expanding its network in South Africa and other African markets.

It also remains unclear to what extent Amazon’s approach reflects an adaptation to South Africa’s regulatory framework, particularly rules on licensing, spectrum, and local ownership. Starlink has yet to launch services in the country, despite being commercially present on the continent since January 2023 and operating in about 25 African countries. In Southern Africa, Starlink services are already available in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, and eSwatini.

South Africa’s telecoms regulator requires any foreign company seeking an ICT license to transfer at least 30% of its equity to historically disadvantaged persons. In response to Starlink’s reservations, the government has proposed easing the framework by allowing Equity Equivalent Investment Programs (EEIPs). While Starlink has expressed support for this option and submitted proposals, the mechanism remains contested by parts of the political class and some industry players.

As of the end of 2025, about 13.3 million South Africans, or 20.4% of the population, were still not using the internet, according to DataReportal. This represents a sizable potential market for Amazon Leo and its partners, particularly as satellite technology promises nationwide coverage. Beyond the unconnected population, demand also comes from users seeking reliable, high-quality connectivity for activities such as remote work, e-learning, artificial intelligence, machine learning, gaming, and streaming.

Isaac K. Kassouwi