Cell C is in active discussions with SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon Leo to resell their satellite broadband products and explore potential direct-to-device mobile connectivity. Confirming the confidential talks, CEO Jorge Mendes framed the negotiations as part of a “network-agnostic” strategy, viewing satellite and terrestrial infrastructure as complementary layers within a consolidated “network of networks.”
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The negotiations align with regulatory requirements in South Africa, where satellite operators lacking local network licenses must route services through established domestic license holders:
- Amazon Leo: Secured local distribution through a non-exclusive agreement with Maziv-owned ISP Herotel, which will market the satellite service under the Evry brand starting in 2027. Because the distribution arrangement is non-exclusive, additional partners like Cell C can establish similar resale agreements.
- Starlink: Remains unlicensed in South Africa due to regulations requiring licensees to be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups. While a policy direction was issued to recognize Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes as an alternative, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) stated that statutory amendments to the Electronic Communications Act are required first.
Cell C’s satellite ambitions place it alongside competitors working to eliminate coverage dead zones:
See also
- MTN: Conducted South Africa’s first satellite direct-to-mobile trial in North West using Lynk Global’s satellite constellation, unmodified handsets, and licensed spectrum under trial authorization from Icasa.
- Vodacom: Parent company Vodafone holds equity in AST SpaceMobile with exclusive regional distribution rights, alongside a separate infrastructure backhaul agreement with Amazon Leo.
- Regional Progress: While South African operators continue testing, commercial deployments remain in development, trailing regional milestones such as Airtel’s recent commercial activation of Starlink direct-to-mobile services in the DRC.
By combining satellite capabilities with its existing roaming agreements on Vodacom and MTN infrastructure, Cell C aims to expand regional coverage and reduce consumer pricing without undertaking heavy capital expenditure.
