A new Chinese-run satellite broadband service, SpaceSail, also known as “Qianfan” or the “Thousand Sails Constellation,” is gaining traction in the global low-earth orbit (LEO) Internet market. With rapid satellite launches and strong financial backing, it has the potential to outpace Elon Musk’s Starlink in countries where SpaceX has struggled to secure regulatory approvals.
SpaceSail launched its first 18 satellites on August 6, 2024, and by early 2025, the constellation had expanded to 72 satellites. The company, operated by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) and backed by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, plans to deploy 648 satellites by the end of 2025. By 2030, the constellation is expected to include an impressive 15,000 satellites.
In comparison, Starlink had around 7,000 satellites in orbit as of February 2025 and serves over five million customers in more than 100 countries. While SpaceX continues launching satellites weekly with a long-term plan to deploy up to 34,400 satellites, its expansion has faced roadblocks in multiple regions.
Why Starlink Faces Regulatory Challenges in Many Countries
Starlink has encountered difficulties obtaining operating licenses in various countries due to political, economic, and regulatory factors. One of the biggest hurdles is government policies that prioritize local business ownership and control over telecommunications infrastructure.
In South Africa, for example, Starlink has not secured approval to operate, despite claims by Elon Musk that the company was blocked because he is not Black. The South African government rejected this assertion, clarifying that the issue lies in compliance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy. Introduced in 2003, B-BBEE was designed to promote economic inclusion for historically disadvantaged Black South Africans.
Foreign companies like SpaceX must ensure that at least 30% of their South African operations are owned by stakeholders from these groups to comply with the policy. Starlink has yet to apply for a license in South Africa, meaning its inability to operate there is not due to discrimination but rather a failure to meet regulatory requirements.
Beyond South Africa, Starlink has struggled to gain approval in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and several African countries due to concerns over spectrum allocation, national security, and local business interests. Many governments require foreign technology providers to collaborate with local firms or meet specific ownership and infrastructure requirements before launching services. In countries like Cameroon and Namibia, licensing disputes have also slowed down Starlink’s expansion.
Additionally, Starlink is restricted in countries such as China, Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Syria, Cuba, North Korea, and Belarus, primarily due to geopolitical tensions. Many of these nations have strict government-controlled communication policies and are reluctant to allow foreign satellite services that operate outside their jurisdiction.
When Will SpaceSail Launch in South Africa and Other Regions?
One of the biggest questions surrounding SpaceSail is its potential timeline for launching services in various regions. While no official announcement has been made regarding South Africa, SpaceSail has already signed a deal to provide satellite Internet in Brazil by 2026. The company has also revealed plans to launch in Kazakhstan, a BRICS partner, though no official timeline has been disclosed.
Given China’s growing influence in Africa through trade and infrastructure projects, SpaceSail’s expansion into South Africa and neighboring nations seems likely. The service could offer a much-needed alternative to traditional Internet providers, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Can SpaceSail Challenge Starlink’s Dominance in the Global Satellite Internet Market?
Starlink has built a strong lead in the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite Internet industry, but SpaceSail is emerging as a serious competitor with the potential to reshape the market. While SpaceX has spent years deploying thousands of satellites and expanding its global user base, SpaceSail is moving aggressively with government backing and a clear strategy to enter markets where Starlink faces roadblocks.
One of the biggest advantages SpaceSail has is support from the Chinese government and major institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This backing gives the company access to funding, infrastructure, and political influence that can accelerate its expansion. Starlink, on the other hand, operates as a private company with no direct government ownership, making it more vulnerable to international regulations and restrictions.
Another key factor is access to markets. Starlink has struggled to get approval in several countries due to regulatory concerns and political tensions. Many governments require foreign technology companies to comply with strict local ownership rules or work with domestic partners, which has slowed down Starlink’s expansion. SpaceSail, being a Chinese company, may find it easier to secure approvals in regions that are more open to partnerships with China, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The company has already signed a deal to launch services in Brazil by 2026 and is planning operations in Kazakhstan, which are signs of its growing reach.
Even with these advantages, SpaceSail still has a long way to go before it can match Starlink’s scale. SpaceX has already launched over 7,000 satellites and serves millions of customers across more than 100 countries. It continues to expand its network with weekly satellite launches and aims to have a constellation of up to 34,400 satellites in the long term. SpaceSail’s goal of reaching 15,000 satellites by 2030 is ambitious, but catching up to Starlink’s existing coverage will require consistent launches and rapid service deployment.
The competition between these two satellite Internet providers will ultimately benefit consumers. More competition means better pricing, improved service quality, and greater global coverage. If SpaceSail successfully tackles regulatory challenges and meets its deployment targets, it could become a major force in satellite broadband, offering a strong alternative to Starlink in many parts of the world.
