Amazon Leo, the satellite broadband project formerly known as Project Kuiper, has announced a strategic partnership with South Africa’s largest fixed internet service provider, Herotel, to launch a new satellite internet service branded as “evry” by 2027. This collaboration aims to extend high-speed connectivity to rural areas, farming communities, and small businesses currently underserved by traditional fibre and fixed wireless networks.
Regulatory Advantage Through Local Partnership
Unlike other satellite broadband operators that have struggled with South Africa’s strict equity and empowerment laws, Amazon Leo is bypassing significant hurdle by leveraging Herotel’s existing Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) telecommunications licenses. The partnership allows the venture to navigate the national regulatory environment by utilizing Herotel’s established infrastructure following its 2026 acquisition by the Vumatel and Remgro-controlled Maziv group.
“Amazon Leo and Herotel share the same mission to empower all South Africans through access to high-speed internet,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, speaking at a media briefing. “Herotel has spent years building connectivity across South Africa’s farming towns, small businesses, and communities on the outskirts, and with Amazon Leo they can now reach even more people.”
The service targets a critical gap in the domestic market, where conventional infrastructure is often financially unsustainable due to low population density in remote regions. According to Herotel CEO Van Zyl Botha, the “evry” initiative will focus on these neglected customers regardless of their geographic location.
Industry Impact And Constellation Development
The move marks a major shift in the local internet service provider (ISP) industry, which has faced intense competition and pressure to expand coverage into deep rural provinces. Market analysts suggest that while Amazon Leo enters the market with approximately 396 satellites currently in orbit compared to larger competitors, the integration with Herotel’s network of over 350,000 customers across 550 towns provides immediate scale.
While some industry commentators have questioned the potential performance of the service relative to established global operators, the partners remain focused on the 2027 commercial rollout. Further details regarding the rollout phase and specific service packages are expected to be announced by Herotel in the coming months as technical integration progresses.