Vanu, Amazon Partners To Boost Rural Connectivity

Vanu, Inc. has announced a partnership with Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, Project Kuiper, to boost rural connectivity in Africa.

The collaboration will initially focus on Southern Africa, with deployment expected to begin in 2026. By combining Vanu’s mobile infrastructure solutions with Project Kuiper’s low-latency satellite backhaul, the partnership aims to extend mobile broadband to areas that traditional networks have long struggled to reach.

Vanu, which provides equipment and services enabling mobile network operators to profitably serve rural markets, has already connected millions of people across remote regions globally. The company’s Coverage-as-a-Service model allows operators to deliver connectivity without the cost and complexity of building extensive physical infrastructure.

By integrating Amazon’s rapidly expanding satellite network, currently boasting over 150 satellites in orbit, Vanu plans to scale its reach and performance dramatically.

“We are energized by this opportunity to accelerate our mission,” said Andrew Beard, CEO of Vanu. “Amazon’s low Earth orbit constellation gives us the scale, reliability, and performance to reach areas that have been technologically excluded for far too long. Together, we can reshape what is possible for rural connectivity worldwide.”

Amazon’s Project Kuiper was designed to connect communities beyond the reach of existing networks, offering backhaul solutions that can bridge the gap between urban and rural coverage.

“Vanu has a proven track record connecting some of the hardest-to-reach places on the planet,” said Chris Weber, Vice President of Consumer and Enterprise for Project Kuiper. “Using satellite-based connectivity from Amazon, they can enable mobile network operators to reach more subscribers in more places.”

This collaboration represents more than just a technology partnership, it’s a potential blueprint for sustainable, scalable rural connectivity. With high-speed communications enabling new opportunities in education, healthcare, commerce, and emergency response, the initiative could play a major role in advancing digital inclusion across Africa.