Hello techies! Big update from the Chinese mainland: the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) just granted China Unicom a license to launch satellite mobile communication services. 🤩
What’s in it for you? Think direct-to-cell connectivity for emergencies, maritime traffic and remote spots—whether you’re trekking in the Himalayas or sailing the Andaman Sea. No more zero bars in far-flung areas! 📶✨
China Telecom beat the game earlier, kicking off its satellite-to-mobile services in 2023. China Mobile isn’t far behind: they already offer satellite-based short messaging via the BeiDou system in no-coverage zones and are now eyeing a full direct-to-cell license.
Last month, MIIT rolled out fresh guidelines to streamline market access and boost high-quality growth in satellite comms. By 2030, they plan to fine-tune rules, policies and industry support for an upgraded ecosystem—from infrastructure and supply chains to tech standards and global partnerships.
Key takeaways:
- Support for low-Earth orbit (LEO) internet—satellites flying closer to Earth for faster speeds. 🚀
- Encouragement for all telcos to offer direct-to-device services—no extra hardware needed!
- Opening doors for private players in the satellite Internet of Things (IoT)—imagine smart sensors everywhere. 🌐
MIIT expects a competitive yet collaborative market, making satellite connectivity more affordable for everyday consumers. Operators are also urged to sync up with upstream and downstream partners to power industry upgrades and reinforce supply chain resilience. 🔗🌍
Stay tuned as the sky’s the limit—literally—for our next-gen mobile experience! 💫
Reference(s):
China Unicom granted license to operate satellite mobile services
cgtn.com
