While they may look similar on the outside, Chinese products are significantly more expensive, priced at approximately $4,109.
The Chinese company OneLinQ has recently launched a satellite internet dish device, considered to be the first satellite internet device in China for civilian purposes.
This is the first satellite internet device in China for civilian purposes. (Photo: OneLinQ).
Notably, this product looks very similar to Starlink, produced by SpaceX, but is slightly smaller, standing at 430 mm tall compared to Starlink’s 513 mm. The device also does not come with a Wi-Fi router, indicating that the modem is integrated within.
Another significant difference is that the Chinese product is equipped with a 20,000 mAh battery and comes with a protective case for use in harsh environmental conditions.
In an interview, Liu Yu, the Vice President of OneLinQ, stated that the company will sell this device to customers looking to access the internet in areas without mobile signal, such as “discerning customers with a passion for travel.”
The product comes with a sturdy case and a 20,000 mAh battery. (Photo: OneLinQ).
To receive broadband data, the device communicates with satellites from APStar, a company based in Hong Kong that is linked to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a state-owned enterprise.
Instead of using low Earth orbit satellites like Starlink, APStar operates several geostationary satellites at higher altitudes. In the case of OneLinQ, the company plans to utilize the APStar 6D satellite to receive internet data. This is expected to provide download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps for users in China. The device can also support Wi-Fi connections within a radius of 50 meters.
The product resembles SpaceX’s Starlink, but is slightly smaller. (Photo: OneLinQ).
Despite some similarities to Starlink, OneLinQ’s product will be significantly more expensive. The Chinese company plans to sell a standard model for 29,800 yuan (approximately $4,109) and a more powerful professional version for 49,800 yuan (approximately $6,868). The company is currently accepting pre-orders.
However, it is worth noting that the Chinese product will not compete with Starlink.
In 2022, The Financial Times reported that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk assured the Chinese government that Starlink would not be launched in the country. This is due to concerns that Starlink could allow Chinese citizens to access an uncensored version of the internet. In contrast, OneLinQ’s product is expected to comply with China’s strict regulations on internet content.
OneLinQ aims to sell 100,000 units of its first-generation product.
