China’s SpaceSail to rival Starlink in South Africa’s satellite broadband race

SpaceSail, a new Chinese-operated satellite broadband service is emerging as a formidable rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink.  It may beat the U.S.-based company to launch its services in South Africa. 

Officially dubbed the “Qianfan” or “Thousand Sails Constellation.” SpaceSail is a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network developed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), with backing from the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The company aims to provide global internet coverage in the coming years and has already made significant strides, positioning itself as a potential game-changer in markets, like South Africa, where Starlink faces regulatory and political hurdles.

SpaceSail launched its first 18 satellites on August 6, 2024, and by January 2025, it had 72 satellites in orbit. According to China Central Television, the company plans to deploy 648 satellites by the end of 2025, with a first-phase goal of 1,296 satellites. By 2030, SpaceSail aims to expand its constellation to an ambitious 15,000 satellites. 

In contrast, Starlink, operated by SpaceX, had approximately 7,000 satellites in orbit as of February 2025, serving over five million customers across more than 100 countries. SpaceX launches dozens of satellites weekly and has long-term plans for a constellation of up to 34,400 satellites.

While SpaceSail trails Starlink in satellite numbers, its rapid deployment and strategic focus on underserved markets could give it an edge. Starlink began offering limited services with far fewer satellites than it has today, suggesting SpaceSail’s planned 648-satellite network by year-end could support initial commercial operations. 

The Chinese company has announced intentions to begin broadband services in 2025, potentially capitalizing on regions where Starlink has faced resistance due to anti-U.S. sentiment or sovereignty concerns.

Starlink’s global and South African challenges

Starlink’s expansion has been hampered in several countries, including China, Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Syria, Cuba, North Korea, and Belarus, nations considered political or economic adversaries of the United States. The service has also struggled to gain approvals in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and much of Africa. 

In South Africa, Starlink’s launch remains stalled, with its estimated debut listed as “unknown” since late 2022. A MyBroadband analysis found that Starlink rolled out in only 18% of the African countries it targeted for 2024, expanding from seven to 14 nations while delaying launches in 24 others.

South Africa’s stringent telecom regulations pose a significant barrier for Starlink. The Electronic Communications Act mandates that telecom licensees be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups (HDGs), including Black people, youth, women, and people with disabilities.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has also approved a rule requiring 30% Black ownership, though its enforcement is currently on hold. Unlike many international firms, Starlink insists on dealing directly with customers rather than partnering with local internet service providers (ISPs), complicating compliance.

Efforts to resolve these issues showed promise in late 2024. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi pledged to work with Icasa on “equity equivalents” to ease entry for foreign companies, and President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Musk during a United Nations event in New York to discuss investments. However, diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and South Africa have since derailed progress. 

Musk, a vocal supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, has criticized South Africa’s Black economic empowerment policies as “openly racist.” In response, South African Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced a halt to investment talks with Musk, citing his “racist” and “unprogressive” views.

Meanwhile, the South African-born billionaire has recently accused the South African government of frustrating Starlink’s roll out in the country because he’s not black.

SpaceSail’s opportunity in South Africa

SpaceSail may find a warmer reception in South Africa, bolstered by the country’s growing ties with China through the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). The registration of eight “Spacesail” trademarks in South Africa, covering telecommunications, computers, scientific devices, and technological services, signals intent to enter the market.

Chinese state-backed firms like Huawei and ZTE have successfully navigated South Africa’s ownership rules, offering a blueprint for SpaceSail.

Globally, SpaceSail has secured a deal to launch services in Brazil in 2026 and plans operations in Kazakhstan, both BRICS-affiliated nations. These moves underscore its strategy to target emerging markets with strong Chinese diplomatic relations. In South Africa, where Starlink’s regulatory woes persist, SpaceSail could seize the opportunity to become the first major LEO broadband provider.

This competition highlights a broader geopolitical and technological race. Starlink’s ties to U.S. military programs, including support for allies in conflict zones, have made it a target of suspicion in some regions. SpaceSail, backed by Chinese state entities, could appeal to nations wary of U.S. influence, offering an alternative rooted in China’s expanding space ambitions.