Qianfan is one of two Chinese megaconstellations aimed at challenging Starlink’s dominance. The other, Guowang, also known as SatNet, is being developed by China Satellite Network Group near Beijing and expected to comprise around 13,000 satellites. Construction on Guowang is set to begin soon, according to SCMP.

A Chinese state-backed company plans to launch a satellite service to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink in Brazil, in a challenge for the US as Beijing expands its influence in Latin America. The announcement from Spacesail,

This development occurs as the U.S. expresses concerns over China's increasing influence in Latin America, a region traditionally dominated by Washington.

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -- China's low Earth orbit satellite company SpaceSail, which aims to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink, signed an agreement to enter the Brazilian market, the company said on Wednesday, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Brasilia.

China's Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology signs a deal to offer satellite internet service in remote areas of Brazil, where SpaceX already serves 250,000+ customers.

Deal between Shanghai-based SpaceSail and Brazil telecoms company follows country’s earlier dispute with Musk’s social media platform X.

Around 46 percent of Brazil's internet reportedly comes through Starlink, so the agreement could be a move to reduce reliance on Musk's company.

China's SpaceSail will work with Brazil's Telebras to bring broadband to remote areas of the South American country.