Qianfan Operator Partners for Services in Malaysia
An agreement with MEASAT will bring the Qianfan constellations services to the Southeast Asian nation.
MEASAT announced on February 6th that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai Spacesail Technologies Co Ltd, the operator of the Qianfan constellation and often shortened to Spacesail. A signing ceremony between the two companies was held in Shanghai with MEASAT’s Chief Operating Officer Yau Chyong Lim representing his company. Spacesail’s President Dr Jason Zheng was also present to represent Qianfan.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Spacesail and MEASAT states that collaboration between the two companies will bring low Earth orbit broadband services into Malaysia alongside Direct-to-Device communications, as well as for various Internet of Things and Earth Observation services. MEASAT also hopes to utilize Qianfan to strengthen its current position in various markets across Asia, complimented by the company’s three geostationary orbit satellites. Speaking on services, MEASAT’s Yau Chyong Lim said:
“We firmly believe in a multi-orbit satellite network to achieve progress in society and are pleased to have the opportunity to integrate the capabilities of Spacesail’s Thousand Sails megaconstellation with MEASAT’s fleet of Geostationary Orbit (“GSO”) satellites. In regions where MEASAT operates, satellites have immense potential in further bridging the digital divide and overcoming geographical challenges.”
Spacesail’s Dr Jason Zheng commented on the signing too stating:
“For Spacesail, this partnership with MEASAT is another milestone in delivering global broadband connectivity and driving innovation in the satellite industry by synergising our respective strengths. China and Malaysia are two nations that value the role of technology in empowering businesses and improving lives, and I look forward to achieving technological progress by tapping on MEASAT’s local expertise while strengthening bilateral ties – including in upcoming fields like the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial network communications. I thank the Government of Malaysia, particularly the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for welcoming Spacesail’s interest to offer our services in the country in collaboration with local industry leaders such as MEASAT.”
Teaming up with local partners or setting up a subsidiary in each nation Qianfan seeks market access to has been standard so far. In November 2024 Spacesail signed its first service agreement to bring its services to Brazil, partnering with local telecommunications company Telebrás. A few weeks ago on January 24th, Spacesail set up a Kazakh subsidiary with millions of dollars in capital, stating it was ready to comply with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry for local requirements.
Through partnering with existing local companies Qianfan gains local goodwill from consumers, who recognize the partner company, while the partner gains part of the profits from the low Earth orbit satellite internet services, allowing both to grow. This differs from SpaceX’s Starlink which will rarely partner locally instead opting to obtain spectrum rights and sell directly to consumers, keeping the profits.
Malaysia’s Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil viewed the signing as a deepening of cooperation between the two countries and commented on the partnership between Spacesail and MEASAT stating:
“In 2024, Malaysia marked the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, celebrating the many positive outcomes of this cordial friendship. Looking forward, there are abundant opportunities for deeper collaboration, especially in harnessing advanced technologies to enhance people’s lives. These innovations have the potential to drive a wide array of benefits, from improving the delivery of government services to fostering economic growth through industrial and commercial applications.“
Back in November 2024, Spacesail spoke at the Zhuhai Airshow where it covered expansion plans. For 2025 the company wanted to gain market access to Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Oman, Malaysia, and Pakistan, with the company now having access to the first three. In 2026 access to much of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America is also planned.
Currently, Spacesail is expecting to provide regular internet coverage in China and surrounding regions by the end of 2025, and regular internet coverage worldwide by the end of 2027. As of the latest launch of satellites in January, seventy-two satellites have been sent into orbit for the mega-constellation, with around seven hundred expected for the start of worldwide services.
A large uptick in Qianfan satellites may occur this year with launches atop of the Long March 8, various new reusable commercial vehicles, and of course more Long March 6A’s.