Under this agreement, MEASAT will act as the authorised service provider for Tianqi’s satellite-based IoT solutions within Malaysia, utilising its extensive market experience and distribution channels to facilitate commercial deployment starting next year.
Guodian Gaoke will enable smooth integration of the Tianqi constellation and associated systems with local businesses, while StarWin will supply and incorporate certified ground terminals into the network. The Tianqi constellation, in its initial phase, consists of 38 LEO satellites that provide narrowband IoT connectivity worldwide, serving sectors such as forestry, agriculture, energy, and environmental protection.
Yau Chyong Lim, MEASAT’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the advantages of LEO satellite-based IoT in overcoming Malaysia’s geographical challenges, including dense forests and remote locations. He noted that the technology’s easy installation, low maintenance, and low power consumption make it particularly suitable for applications in hard-to-reach areas. Among the potential uses he outlined are flood forecasting and early warning systems, smart utility management for monitoring assets and water quality, renewable energy integration, telemedicine to expand healthcare access, and precision farming in rural regions.
This Tianqi collaboration marks MEASAT’s second partnership with a Chinese LEO satellite operator this year. In February, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai SpaceSail Technologies to provide multi-orbit services to its clients, including direct-to-device communications, satellite IoT, and earth observation services. Additionally, Chinese LEO satellite company Geespace, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, entered the Malaysian market in September 2024 through a deal with telecom provider Altel Communications, establishing an R&D centre focused on developing use cases for direct-to-device technology.
