The article discusses Amazon's Leo satellite service entering the South African market via a distribution agreement with Herotel, a fibre and wireless operator.

This partnership, dubbed 'Evry', will provide broadband to households and small businesses across all nine provinces at speeds up to 300Mbps, with commercial launch expected in 2027.

Unlike Elon Musk's Starlink, which remains excluded from the South African market due to licensing issues, Amazon has bypassed regulatory hurdles by offering wholesale capacity to licensed partners like Herotel.

The move highlights growing competition in the satellite broadband sector, with Amazon leveraging existing infrastructure and partnerships to establish a foothold.

Industry experts note that this development could lower prices and improve connectivity in underserved areas, while also challenging traditional telecom providers.

Avanti Communications' CEO Kyle Whitehill emphasizes the role of competition in driving innovation and affordability, positioning Amazon's entry as a significant shift in Africa's digital landscape.