The Global South’s digital future must not belong to Bezos and Musk
Summary
Amazon plans to launch its Leo satellite internet service in South Africa by 2027, partnering with Herotel to reach rural areas where traditional internet is hard to provide. This move follows the rapid growth of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet, which serves millions worldwide. While satellite internet can connect underserved areas, it may also increase dependence on large foreign companies controlling essential digital infrastructure.Key Facts
- Amazon’s Leo satellite internet will start in South Africa in 2027 through Herotel, which serves over 350,000 customers.
- Leo will connect homes and businesses in remote areas without access to fibre or fixed wireless internet.
- Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has 10.3 million subscribers worldwide, including many in Africa.
- Satellite internet can reach places ignored by traditional networks but may be expensive for low-income users.
- Starlink increased its monthly fees in Nigeria by 50% in 2025, sparking regulatory pushback.
- Both Amazon (through AWS) and SpaceX are involved in US national security projects.
- Heavy control of internet access by foreign companies raises concerns about political and economic influence over poorer countries.
- About 96% of the 2.2 billion people without internet live in low- or middle-income countries, with very low internet access in rural Africa.
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