Vodafone has signed an agreement with Amazon Leo, Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network, to connect remote 4G and 5G mobile masts across Europe and Africa, aiming to extend coverage and strengthen network resilience in hard-to-reach areas.
- •The partnership allows Vodafone to link mobile base stations to core networks using satellite backhaul, reducing reliance on fibre or fixed wireless links in rural locations.
- •The service also serves as a backup during outages caused by flooding or fibre damage, supporting emergency and critical digital services.
- •Amazon Leo relies on a constellation of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites designed to support telecom-grade connectivity for mobile operators.
Vodafone plans a phased expansion across Africa through Vodacom as initial deployments focus on Germany and other European markets. The first mobile sites are scheduled to go live in 2026, with coverage widening as Amazon Leo expands satellite capacity.
Vodafone Group Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle said satellite connectivity supports efforts to extend reliable mobile coverage and reinforce network resilience in challenging environments. Amazon Devices and Services Senior Vice President Panos Panay said the partnership targets locations where traditional infrastructure struggles to reach.
Vodacom Group Chief Executive Shameel Joosub said the agreement accelerates mobile rollout in isolated areas across Africa, supporting broader digital inclusion goals.
Amazon Leo has more than 200 satellites already in orbit, with hundreds more built and awaiting launch. Enterprise customer previews began in November 2025, with wider commercial rollout planned as coverage increases.
