# Amazon Leo Taps Herotel for South Africa _Amazon Leo partners with Herotel to launch 'evry', bringing satellite internet to underserved areas of South Africa._ **Updated:** 2026-08-22 **Published:** 2026-07-15 **Source:** https://www.startuphub.ai/ai-news/technology/2026/amazon-leo-taps-herotel-for-south-africa --- Amazon's satellite internet venture, [Amazon Leo](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/amazon-leo/amazon-leo-south-africa-herotel-evry?utm_source=rss), is set to expand its reach into South Africa through a partnership with Herotel, the nation's largest fixed internet provider. The collaboration will introduce a new service called 'evry,' designed to deliver broadband connectivity to homes and small businesses located beyond the practical limits of traditional fiber and fixed wireless infrastructure. SA Digital DivideDrivermillions of South Africans in rural areas lack broadband connectivitydrivesAmazon LeoCoreFrom the article 9 mentionsAmazon's satellite internet venture, Amazon Leo, is set to expand its reach into South Africa through a partnership with Herotel, the nation's largest fixed internet provider.partners withPartners HerotelCorecollaborating with South Africa's largest fixed internet provider for local distributionFrom the article 4 mentionsHerotel will leverage Amazon Leo's constellation of satellites, which orbit much closer to Earth than geostationary counterparts, to offer lower latency for everyday internet use.to launch'evry' ServiceContextFrom the article 5 mentionsThe collaboration will introduce a new service called 'evry,' designed to deliver broadband connectivity to homes and small businesses located beyond the practical limits of traditional fiber and fixed wireless infrastructure.Low LatencyEffectLeo's closer-to-Earth satellites offer better performance for everyday internet useFrom the article 2 mentionsThe deployment of low Earth orbit satellite internet technologies like those from Amazon Leo is crucial for regions where traditional infrastructure is economically unviable, potentially generating significant economic benefits.Beyond Fiber LimitsEffectreaching areas where traditional fiber and fixed wireless are impracticalFrom the articleThe collaboration will introduce a new service called 'evry,' designed to deliver broadband connectivity to homes and small businesses located beyond the practical limits of traditional fiber and fixed wireless infrastructure.Commercial Launch 2027Outcomeanticipated start of 'evry' service for customers in South AfricaFrom the articleCommercial launch of evry is anticipated in 2027.Bridging DivideOutcomeinitiative directly addresses significant connectivity gap for millions of South Africans This initiative directly addresses a significant connectivity gap affecting millions of South Africans in rural communities, including those on farms and in small towns. Herotel will leverage Amazon Leo's constellation of satellites, which orbit much closer to [Earth](https://www.theverge.com/ai-news/technology/2026/jassy-pours-4b-into-rural-delivery) than geostationary counterparts, to offer lower latency for everyday internet use. Commercial launch of evry is anticipated in 2027. ## Bridging the Digital Divide The agreement signifies a major step for Amazon Leo in Africa, marking its first deal of this nature on the continent. Herotel's existing network of over 350,000 customers and 120 local offices will provide a foundation for the rollout, ensuring local installation and customer support. David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, stated that both companies share a mission to empower South Africans with high-speed [internet](https://www.theverge.com/ai-news/funding-round/2025/eutelsat-secures-135-billion-in-funding) access. He highlighted the potential to unlock opportunities for those currently lacking reliable connectivity for work, education, and essential services. Van Zyl Botha, CEO of Herotel, emphasized the commitment to serving South Africans outside major metropolitan areas. "With evry, powered by Amazon Leo, we will reach the customers that even fiber and fixed wireless cannot serve. It no longer matters where you live," Botha asserted. Amazon Leo's expansion into South Africa aligns with broader efforts to improve connectivity across the continent. Amazon is also working with Vanu, Inc. to bring cellular connectivity to rural communities in Africa. The deployment of [low Earth orbit satellite internet](https://www.theverge.com/ai-news/startup-news/2026/starlink-and-the-new-battlefield-deterrence-digital-freedom-and-the-crisis-of-complicity-in-iran) technologies like those from Amazon Leo is crucial for regions where traditional infrastructure is economically unviable, potentially generating significant economic benefits. While Amazon Leo has deployed over 390 satellites, the service is expected to become broadly available as the network matures. --- Original analysis from [startuphub.ai](https://www.startuphub.ai), the #1 AI startup directory. © StartupHub.ai. All rights reserved. You may not republish this article in full without a license. Search engines and AI research tools may crawl and summarize for reference. Bulk reproduction or model training on this content requires a license. See https://www.startuphub.ai/terms.