African-based provider of satellite communication solutions Q-KON has reached a tripartite strategic alliance agreement with Beijing Guodian High-Tech Technology and China StarWin Science and Technology to offer Internet of Things (IoT) services supported by the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Constellation in South Africa.
Under the collaboration, Q-KON will be the authorised service provider for the Tianqi Constellation’s satellite-based IoT services in South Africa, leveraging its market expertise and distribution network to drive commercial operations next year.
Meanwhile, Guodian Gaoke will provide the Tianqi LEO satellite constellation and related systems, enabling seamless integration with local businesses.
StarWin, in turn, will supply and integrate certified ground terminals, ensuring compliance with South Africa’s technical and regulatory standards to support end-user needs.
The alliance formed by Q-KON, Guodian Gaoke and StarWin integrates Chinese advanced constellation systems and terminal technologies with local market insights and service networks in Africa, aligning with South Africa’s national digital strategy to empower ground-level industrial upgrades through space-based infrastructure.
Dr Dawie de Wet, group CEO at Q-KON, says: “This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in our quest to service the African market through the application of leading satellite technologies by expanding the Twoobii portfolio to include an IoT service.
“Q-KON has always been committed to providing robust and relevant connectivity solutions, and our partnership with Guodian Gaoke and StarWin allows us to expand this commitment into the industrial IoT area.
“The Tianqi LEO Constellation provides trusted industrial data connectivity services for the mining, transport, industrial and agriculture industries.
“By combining Guodian Gaoke’s LEO global constellation, StarWin’s compliant terminal technology, and Q-KON’s deep market expertise, we can provide the critical infrastructure needed to drive productivity and ensure South Africa’s key industries remain globally competitive.”
Zheng Said, vice-president of Guo Dian Gao Ke, says: “Beijing Guodian Gaoke Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu Xunyi Satellite Communications Co., Ltd., and Q-KON have reached a tripartite cooperation agreement, marking the first project of the Tianqi Constellation in Africa.
“As a globally networked low-orbit IoT satellite system independently developed and constructed by Beijing Guodian Gaoke, the Tianqi Constellation provides low-power consumption and high-reliability communication services.
“This cooperation will integrate the advantages of the three parties to promote the digital application of satellite IoT technology in South Africa’s key sectors, including forestry monitoring, power management, logistics and vessel monitoring, and disaster prevention. It will deliver convenient and efficient satellite communication service support to government and enterprise users in South Africa.
“We look forward to taking this cooperation as an opportunity to inject practical momentum into the development of South Africa’s digital industry and lay a solid foundation for future collaboration.”