China's First Step Towards a Starlink Rival

China has launched the first batch of satellites for a mega-constellation intended to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. This marks a significant milestone in Beijing's goal to establish its own global internet network.

In a significant development, China has launched the first set of satellites for a mega-constellation aimed at rivaling SpaceX's Starlink system, a state-backed newspaper revealed on Monday.

The Chinese state-owned enterprise's move represents an important advancement in Beijing's strategic initiative to create its own global internet network. This newly launched constellation aspires to offer services comparable to the U.S.-based Starlink, which currently boasts around 5,500 satellites in orbit.

Starlink's network is utilized by various consumers, corporations, and government agencies, and China's latest launch underscores its ambition to carve out its own place in the burgeoning commercial broadband sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)