---
title: New partnership will support LEO IoT services in South Africa - Developing Telecoms
description: Q-KON, an African provider of satellite communications, has signed a strategic trilateral agreement with China’s Guodian Gaoke, a low-orbit communication satellite developer and operator, and satellite communication terminals and antennas specialist StarWin.
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date: 2025-12-09T18:53:49Z
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Q-KON, an African provider of satellite communications, has signed a strategic trilateral agreement with China’s Guodian Gaoke, a low-orbit communication satellite developer and operator, and satellite communication terminals and antennas specialist StarWin.

The partnership plans to roll out next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) services leveraging the Tianqi low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation across South Africa.

The alliance, say the partners, positions Q-KON as the authorised service provider for Tianqi-based IoT solutions, leveraging its local market expertise and distribution network. Guodian Gaoke will supply the LEO constellation and associated satellite systems, while StarWin will provide certified ground terminals to ensure compliance with South African technical and regulatory standards.

This is a useful new offering for Q-KON – and in particular for its flagship service Twoobii, which provides reliable connectivity for remote and underserved regions, supporting businesses, industries, and governments. Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON, explains: “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.”

The Tianqi LEO constellation is designed for low-power, high-reliability communications, offering industrial data connectivity across sectors including mining, transport, agriculture, and utilities. The partnership will enable smart monitoring, automation, and real-time data management for enterprises and government agencies alike.

This tripartite cooperation marks the Tianqi Constellation’s first project in Africa.

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