Satellite Backhaul

Vodafone Group’s partnership with Amazon Leo’s Low Earth Orbit satellite network is set to reshape the company’s expansion strategy. The agreement will connect geographically dispersed 4G and 5G base stations in Europe and Africa through Amazon’s 200+ satellites, with an additional fleet scheduled for launch. The first satellite‑backhauled mobile sites are slated for deployment in 2026. This backhaul will enable Vodafone’s Vodacom subsidiary to reach 260 million customers and raise smartphone penetration across Africa by 2030, while also providing a resilient backup against fiber or fixed‑wire failures.