Chinese Company’s Satellite Internet Dish Looks a Lot Like Starlink

A Chinese company has announced a satellite internet service that looks strikingly similar to SpaceX’s Starlink tech.

Last week, OneLinQ introduced a satellite dish that receives broadband data from orbiting satellites. Local news reports are calling it China’s first satellite internet device for civilian use. 

The product resembles a second-generation Starlink dish, although it’s slightly smaller, measuring 430mm in height; Starlink’s is 513mm. However, the dish doesn’t come with a Wi-Fi router, suggesting the modem is built into the device.

Another key difference is that it comes with a 20,000mAh battery pack. OneLinQ also appears to have designed the product to survive in remote and rugged environments by including a sturdy carrying case for the dish. In an interview with local Chinese press, OneLinQ EVP Liu Yu said the company will sell the device to customers who want to receive internet in cellular dead zones, such as “hard-core off-road vehicle customers.”

(Credit: OneLinQ)

(Credit: OneLinQ)

To receive broadband data, OneLinQ says the dish communicates with orbiting satellites from Hong Kong-based APStar—which has ties to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a Chinese state-owned company.

Instead of using low-Earth orbiting satellites like Starlink, APStar operates several geostationary satellites at higher altitudes. In OneLinQ’s case, the Chinese company plans on tapping the APStar 6D satellite to receive internet data. The results promise to beam download speeds of up to 100Mbps and upload rates of 20Mbps to users in China. Each dish can also support Wi-Fi connectivity across a 50-meter radius.

(Credit: OneLinQ)

Despite some similarities with Starlink, OneLinQ’s product will cost significantly more. The Chinese company plans to sell a standard model for 29,800 yuan or $4,109 and a more powerful pro edition for 49,800 yuan or $6,868. The company is currently accepting preorders.

Although the dish is expensive, it probably won’t face competition from Starlink. In 2022, The Financial Times reported that the Chinese government had “sought assurances” from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk that he’ll never launch Starlink in the country. This is likely because Starlink could provide a way for Chinese citizens to access a non-censored version of the internet. In contrast, OneLinQ’s system is expected to adhere to China’s strict rules on internet content. 

OneLinQ is targeting sales of 100,000 units for its first-generation product.