As the satellite landscape grows increasingly crowded, Amazon is set to introduce its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet service in South Africa, potentially by the end of this year.
Under the Amazon LEO network—previously known as Project Kuiper—the company plans to partner with licensed South African providers to bring these services to local customers. Helen Kyeyune, the regulatory lead for Amazon LEO in sub-Saharan Africa, shared this development during the ICASA public hearings regarding the country’s draft radio frequency plan.
Instead of offering the service directly to consumers, Amazon intends to support local internet providers, who will manage customer interactions and adhere to regulatory requirements. This arrangement allows Amazon to focus on spectrum and technical approvals with ICASA, while local partners handle the end-user experience.
This development is significant because LEO satellites can deliver faster, lower-latency internet, particularly in areas where traditional fibre and mobile networks struggle to operate. With plans for thousands of satellites, Amazon is positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Starlink, aiming to extend broadband access to underserved regions.
The timing of this launch is also critical. South Africa is currently reviewing regulations for satellite internet, while Starlink is facing delays due to ownership regulations. Amazon’s collaborative strategy, complemented by its existing relationship with Vodacom, could facilitate a smoother market entry as competition intensifies in Africa’s satellite internet sector.
