In a move set to reshape connectivity across underserved regions, Vodafone has announced a strategic agreement with Amazon to leverage its low Earth orbit satellite network, Amazon Leo, to connect remote mobile base stations across Europe and Africa.
The partnership will enable Vodafone to deploy 4G and 5G infrastructure more efficiently in hard-to-reach areas, bypassing the need for costly and time-intensive fibre or fixed wireless backhaul solutions. The development is expected to significantly improve network coverage for communities that have historically struggled with limited or no connectivity.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap
Built on a constellation of thousands of satellites, Amazon Leo is designed to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity from space. The system offers backhaul speeds of up to 1 Gbps download and 400 Mbps upload, allowing telecom operators to extend their networks into rural and geographically isolated regions.
Vodafone plans to initially roll out the solution across its European operations, including Germany, before expanding into Africa through its subsidiary, Vodacom. The first connected mobile sites are expected to go live in 2026, with further expansion aligned to the satellite network’s growing coverage.
Strengthening Network Resilience
Beyond expanding coverage, the agreement is also aimed at improving network resilience. Satellite connectivity will act as a backup for mobile masts in cases where fibre connections are disrupted by natural disasters such as flooding or infrastructure damage, ensuring continuity for critical services and emergency communications.
Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle said the company is increasingly looking to space-based solutions to strengthen its infrastructure.
“Amazon Leo’s satellite constellation supports our ambition to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to customers, even in the most challenging environments,”
she noted.
A Shared Vision for Digital Inclusion
From Amazon’s side, Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership.
“Connectivity shouldn’t depend on where you live. This collaboration is about expanding access to the digital services that power modern life,”
he said.
For Africa, the rollout aligns closely with Vodacom’s long-term growth and inclusion strategy. CEO Shameel Joosub highlighted the importance of reaching underserved populations:
“This partnership enables us to rapidly deploy connectivity in isolated areas and bring more people into the digital economy.”
Supporting Long-Term Growth Goals
The agreement also reinforces Vodafone’s ambitions to expand advanced 5G services across Europe, while supporting Vodacom’s Vision 2030 targets. These include reaching 260 million customers, increasing smartphone adoption to 75%, and scaling digital and financial services across the continent.
Amazon Leo, which already has more than 200 satellites in orbit, began offering preview services to enterprise customers in late 2025. As the constellation continues to grow, both companies expect the partnership to play a critical role in connecting millions more users across Europe and Africa.
