Amazon Leo: South Africa D2D Satellite Regulation Process Begins

• Amazon Leo plans to launch its direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service in South Africa around 2028.
• The D2D technology allows unmodified mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, complementing existing networks.
• Amazon Leo has applied for regulatory licenses and is engaging local mobile operators for its service.
• Legal experts like Werksmans Attorneys raise concerns about D2D operators potentially avoiding regulatory requirements faced by traditional mobile network operators.
• Herotel will distribute Amazon Leo's satellite broadband service in South Africa starting in 2027.

The emergence of D2D satellite connectivity has introduced considerable debate within the telecommunications sector, largely because it blurs the traditional distinctions between different types of communication services.

Amazon Leo, the satellite broadband division of Amazon, is preparing to introduce its direct-to-device (D2D) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service in South Africa, with an anticipated launch around 2028. This move signifies an expansion of the company's local offerings beyond traditional fixed connectivity solutions. Mark Anderson, who leads consumer operations for Amazon Leo across EMEA, shared these details during a panel discussion at the Conext 2026 event, an annual gathering hosted by Digital Council Africa. The company's strategy positions LEO connectivity as an enhancement to existing fibre, wireless, and mobile networks throughout South Africa and the wider African continent.

The primary objective of Amazon's satellite network is to deliver high-speed internet access to regions that currently lack the reach of conventional fibre and fixed wireless infrastructure. Anderson confirmed that Amazon Leo has already initiated the process of applying for the necessary regulatory licensing within South Africa. Furthermore, the company is actively engaging with local mobile network operators to facilitate the introduction of this mobile-based service. He articulated that the D2D offering will integrate into Amazon Leo's broader connectivity vision, with South Africa identified as a key market where collaboration with established telecommunications providers is preferred over a direct-to-consumer operational model.

Direct-to-device, also known as direct-to-cell, represents a satellite technology that enables standard, unmodified mobile phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to establish a direct connection with orbiting satellites. This innovative approach eliminates the need for specialized equipment such as satellite dishes, external antennas, or dedicated applications. The technology leverages the standard chips already embedded within smartphones or utilizes shared mobile spectrum in conjunction with network operators to achieve connectivity.

To accelerate its D2D plans, Amazon Leo recently finalized a global agreement with Globalstar. This partnership is crucial as it provides Amazon Leo with access to vital spectrum resources and advanced technological capabilities essential for deploying direct-to-device services. The integration of this technology is expected to significantly enhance Amazon Leo's capacity to deliver its services effectively.

The emergence of D2D satellite connectivity has introduced considerable debate within the telecommunications sector, largely because it blurs the traditional distinctions between different types of communication services. This technological convergence has frequently led to contention between satellite operators and terrestrial mobile network operators (MNOs) regarding critical issues such as spectrum rights, regulatory oversight, and market dominance. The legal firm Werksmans Attorneys has highlighted a significant concern: satellite operators offering D2D services often do not face the same stringent regulatory requirements as traditional MNOs. These disparities can include exemptions from spectrum fees, differing consumer protection rules, and reduced infrastructure investment commitments.

Such regulatory imbalances, according to Werksmans Attorneys, have the potential to distort market dynamics and could undermine long-term investments in the local telecommunications infrastructure. Despite these industry concerns, Mark Anderson of Amazon Leo maintains that the company does not perceive direct-to-device services as inherently controversial. He emphasized that Amazon Leo views both satellite broadband and D2D as complementary solutions designed to bridge connectivity gaps where traditional terrestrial networks are insufficient. Anderson clarified that while fibre remains the optimal choice where available, D2D services are intended to serve areas beyond the reach of existing infrastructure, thereby complementing rather than replacing established networks.

Amazon Leo's entry into the South African market is further solidified through a strategic partnership with Herotel, a local internet service provider. Announced in July, this collaboration designates Herotel as the distributor for Amazon Leo’s satellite broadband service in South Africa, commencing in 2027 under Herotel's new 'evry' brand. This alliance provides Herotel with an additional technological avenue to reach customers situated in regions where fibre and fixed wireless infrastructure are currently unavailable.

Van Zyl Botha, co-founder and CEO of Herotel, who also participated in the Conext 2026 event, underscored the importance of this decision in alignment with his company's broader objective of expanding connectivity beyond its existing fibre footprint. The partnership is poised to play a vital role in addressing the country's connectivity needs, particularly in underserved areas, by leveraging Amazon Leo's satellite capabilities.

Compliance officers and legal counsel in the South African telecoms sector should closely monitor the evolving regulatory landscape for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, particularly regarding spectrum allocation, licensing, and consumer protection, as Amazon Leo's entry may necessitate new compliance strategies and could impact existing mobile network operator obligations.

Source: Recent industry reporting