China to Have 10 Million+ Satellite Connectivity Users by 2030, MIIT Aims
The internet technology ministry has outlined plans to promote the development of the nation's satellite constellation services.
China is currently deploying four connectivity mega-constellations into low Earth orbit to improve the nation’s internet connectivity, positioning services, Internet-of-Things expansion, and other areas to improve the country’s standard of living in the modern age. So far, the number of satellites deployed for each is:
Qianfan (千帆): 90 satellites deployed.
GuoWang (国网): 81 satellites deployed, plus 3 in geostationary space.
Geely Future Mobility Constellation: 41 satellites deployed.
Tianqi (天启): 37 satellites deployed.
Eventually, each of the constellation operators would like to begin selling their claimed services from their satellite networks. In good news for those operators, the IT Times (IT时报) reported on August 25th that Chinese regulators are preparing to issue relevant licenses to do so.
That was quickly followed by the release of a guiding document, not an issuance of licenses yet, from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (中华人民共和国工业和信息化部)1 on August 27th, signed August 25th, titled “Guiding Opinions of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Optimizing Business Access to Promote the Development of the Satellite Communications Industry (工业和信息化部关于优化业务准入促进卫星通信产业发展的指导意见)”. The document (translation attached later) consists of nineteen points in seven key areas relating to market opening, application expansion, industrial ecosystem development, resource optimization, regulatory oversight, and possible international collaboration.
Alongside that, the document outlined China’s intent to scale up its new satellite communications usage through targeting over ten million users by 2030, four years and four months from now. Doing so would be an impressive feat, as it took SpaceX’s Starlink almost five years to reach seven million users by being available in over one hundred and fifty countries. Notably, the document emphasizes leveraging existing Chinese satellite networks, such as BeiDou, to assist in providing coverage for various applications.
Additionally, the ministry’s document continues China's space ambitions by mandating the development of homegrown satellite communication technologies while establishing compatible technical standards for joint space-terrestrial network integration. Emphasis was also placed on ‘new quality productive forces’2 and integrating current 5G and future 6G networks, indicating a view of connectivity mega-constellations being a new key enabler for further economic modernization.
Shortly after the release of the document, relevant officials told People's Daily that the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) is a critical opportunity for China's satellite communication industry development. The officials emphasized a phased implementation approach, with different roles assigned to different enterprise types: state-owned satellite companies would focus on low Earth orbit internet development, telecommunications operators would handle direct satellite services for consumer devices, and private companies would assist and explore Internet-of-Things and other emerging applications, possibly those beyond low Earth orbit. It was highlighted that direct-to-device satellite connectivity is a priority development area too, as BeiDou services are already available on 98 percent of China’s phones sold in 2024.
Meanwhile, Xinhua reports that the guidelines aim to promote the launch of satellite communication services, stimulate the vitality of innovation in the commercial space sector, and foster new drivers of productivity in an orderly manner.
An English version of the document from the ministry has not been released, but the earlier-mentioned Chinese-language one has. As such, I’ve prepared an unofficial translation of the document, and it is provided below. Any errors present are my own, if you find any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me. If you are looking to reference any part of it, please refer to the Chinese-language version hosted on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s website.
Guiding Opinions of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Optimizing Business Access to Promote the Development of the Satellite Communications Industry
To the industrial and information technology authorities of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, cities specifically designated in the state plan, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps; telecommunications administrations of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government; and all relevant enterprises:
To implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and State Council, orderly promote the opening of satellite communication services, foster high-quality development of the satellite communication industry, stimulate innovation vitality in commercial aerospace, cultivate and build new quality productive forces, and support the construction of a manufacturing power, cyber power, and Digital China, the following opinions are proposed.
I. Overall Requirements
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, completely, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the new development concept, strengthening top-level design and policy coordination, balancing development and security, adhering to steady progress, establishing before breaking, classified implementation, and integrated development. Using business access optimization as the driving force, enrich application scenarios, cultivate technology industries, optimize resource supply, improve governance capabilities, fully unleash the development potential of China's satellite communication industry, and accelerate the construction of a standardized, orderly, collaborative, complementary, and win-win satellite communication industry development pattern to consolidate and enhance China's competitive advantages and leading position in the information and communication industry.
By 2030, satellite communication management systems and policies will be further improved, the industrial development environment will be continuously optimized, innovation vitality of various business entities will be fully unleashed, comprehensive development levels in infrastructure, industrial supply, technical standards, and international cooperation will be significantly enhanced, new models and formats such as direct satellite connection for mobile phones will be applied at scale, satellite communication users will exceed ten million, promoting full integration of satellite communication into the new development pattern and effectively serving high-quality economic and social development.
II. Orderly Expanding Market Opening
(1) Supporting Accelerated Development of Low Earth Orbit Satellite Internet. Accelerate satellite internet system construction and application services, promote high-quality development of satellite internet, conduct commercial trials for low-orbit satellite communication applications in due course, drive collaborative innovation throughout the industrial chain, achieve global broadband network coverage, provide high-speed satellite internet services for various users, and continuously expand diversified application scenarios.
(2) Supporting Direct Satellite Connection Services for Terminal Equipment. Support telecommunications operators through co-construction and sharing models with satellite enterprises, deeply explore the application potential of high-orbit satellites such as Tiantong and Beidou, promote accelerated application of direct satellite connection for mobile phones and other terminal equipment, and provide satellite-based voice and short message services for mobile communication users on the ground. Encourage telecommunications operators to leverage low-orbit satellite internet to expand high-speed data services based on voice and short message services, promoting integrated development of space-ground information infrastructure.
(3) Supporting Exploration of New Satellite Communication Services. Organize commercial trials of satellite IoT, support qualified enterprises to rely on low-orbit satellite IoT constellations to provide wide-area IoT connection services for areas not covered by terrestrial networks such as sky, ocean, and remote regions. Research the establishment of new satellite communication services and further expand opening to private enterprises. Encourage private enterprises to legally utilize various high and low orbit satellite resources through multiple commercial cooperation methods such as satellite resource leasing, value-added services, and distribution agency services, revitalize existing satellite resources, enrich service types, and prosper the satellite communication market.
III. Continuously Expanding Application Scenarios
(4) Promoting Emergency Communication Applications. Promote satellite communication applications in emergency communications and other fields, prioritize meeting national emergency communication needs, comprehensively utilize satellite communication resources such as Tiantong, high-throughput satellites, Beidou short messages, satellite internet, and satellite IoT to provide unified scheduling, efficient supply, and integrated satellite communication service guarantees for emergency response. Further deepen satellite communication applications in natural disaster emergency response such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and typhoons, as well as in safety production, field operations, search and rescue, and other fields.
(5) Advancing Digital Public Services. Encourage providing diversified network access services to remote areas, border regions, and areas with complex terrain and climate through high-throughput satellites, low-orbit satellite internet, and other means, further improve China's network coverage, reduce coverage costs, assist universal telecommunications services, promote high-quality digital products, advance digital public welfare, promote social equity, and enhance people's livelihood.
(6) Strengthening Integrated Application Innovation. Encourage innovative applications of satellite communication in various industries and fields including industry, agriculture, transportation, energy, and urban governance. Strengthen cross-integration with new-generation information infrastructure such as industrial internet, vehicle internet, aviation airborne communication, low-altitude intelligent networking, and computing power networks. Promote direct satellite connection for automobiles, ships, and aircraft, and vigorously develop popular and large-scale satellite communication applications. Advance interconnection and integrated applications of Beidou short messages with public communication networks, enhance service capabilities, and cultivate and strengthen the Beidou short message industrial ecosystem.
IV. Cultivating and Strengthening Industrial Ecosystem
(7) Accelerating Key Core Technology Research. Continuously conduct research on key core satellite communication technologies and product development, enhance supply levels of basic components, chips, and key terminal equipment products, improve satellite communication technical performance, reduce user costs, and promote continuous iterative evolution of China's satellite communication technology. Promote deep integration of satellite communication, 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, and other new-generation information communication technologies, and accelerate innovative development of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and other satellite communication technologies.
(8) Building an Open and Shared Standard System. Unite industry forces to jointly build an open, shared, and space-ground integrated satellite communication standard system, formulate and improve national and industry standards for satellite communication technology, products, and construction. Encourage leading enterprises to play active roles, promote gradual standardization and system compatibility of satellite communication systems in development, promote open sharing of satellite communication systems among different business entities, and form development synergy. Actively participate in international standards organizations and regional standards organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project.
(9) Cultivating Mutually Beneficial Industrial Ecosystem. Fully leverage China's comprehensive advantages in terrestrial mobile communication in technology, standards, and industry to drive high-quality development of the satellite communication industry. Encourage enterprises to conduct resource sharing and commercial cooperation around satellites and ground facilities, promote cluster development of strategic emerging industries. Establish satellite communication-related industry organizations, build platforms for industry-academia-research-application exchange and cooperation, and cultivate an open, collaborative, and mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem.
V. Optimizing Telecommunications Resource Supply
(10) Scientific Planning of Satellite Communication Number Resources. Continuously track satellite communication industry development trends, scientifically plan dedicated number segments for satellite communication for specialized terminals, and support high-quality development of new formats such as satellite internet and satellite IoT. Innovate "no card change, no number change" models for mobile terminals, deeply explore the potential of existing number usage, support direct satellite connection applications for mobile phones, and promote deep integration of satellite communication with terrestrial mobile communication. Support enterprises in applying for international satellite communication codes and actively expanding international markets.
(11) Advancing Innovative Management of Frequency-Orbit Resources. Guide enterprises to actively participate in the formulation and revision of international rules for satellite radio frequencies, and conduct frequency-orbit resource application, coordination, and registration work. Combined with the characteristics of low-orbit constellations, innovate satellite radio frequency-orbit resource management methods, issue space radio station licenses and radio frequency use permits in batches to support efficient construction and rapid development of China's low-orbit constellations.
VI. Strengthening Satellite Communication Regulation
(12) Strengthening Satellite Communication Business Regulation. Further optimize market access and equipment network access licensing and approval work, maintain fair competition market order, and build a unified, open, and orderly competitive satellite communication market system. Improve satellite communication system service capabilities, continuously optimize user experience, and effectively protect consumers' legitimate rights and interests. Optimize telecommunications business classification catalogs, research the establishment of relevant new services, and provide institutional guarantees for further opening to various business entities. Improve regulatory platforms and strengthen full-chain closed-loop management of satellite communication services.
(13) Promoting Network Infrastructure Interconnection. Continuously optimize network layout, formulate satellite gateway station management measures, guide enterprises to establish gateway stations meeting national requirements within China's territory, and strengthen construction and operation supervision of satellite gateway stations. Build satellite-terrestrial interconnection centers according to national security and telecommunications network interconnection requirements, and promote efficient interconnection of space-ground infrastructure. Improve satellite internet international interconnection capabilities, establish coordination mechanisms for international submarine cables and satellite internet, form complementary land-sea and space-ground international communication channels, and reduce international communication risks in key regions.
(14) Building Strong Network and Data Security Defense Lines. Guide and supervise enterprises to fulfill national security responsibilities according to law, synchronously plan, build, and operate security technical measures in the design, construction, and operation of relevant systems, implement requirements for communication network security protection, data classification and hierarchical protection, critical information infrastructure protection, network security level protection, and personal information protection, build information security technical measures, ensure network, data, and information security, strengthen user real-name system management, and implement technical safeguard measures for preventing and controlling telecommunications network fraud.
(15) Solidly Ensuring Radio Assurance. Strengthen standardized management of space radio stations and satellite earth stations, increase satellite radio monitoring and interference investigation efforts, promptly eliminate harmful interference, ensure orderly conduct of satellite radio services, and maintain airwave order.
VII. Enhancing Collaborative Advancement
(16) Strengthening Organizational Coordination. Strengthen organizational leadership and overall coordination, improve work advancement mechanisms, strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, promote the formation of synergy in satellite communication business opening work, further consolidate work responsibilities, promptly coordinate and resolve major issues, highlight priorities and seek practical results, ensure orderly advancement of all work, and promote the implementation of key tasks.
(17) Strengthening Financial Support. Comprehensively utilize multiple funding channels to support satellite communication basic research and core technology research, and improve the autonomous and controllable level of key technologies. Fully leverage the leading role of industrial funds such as manufacturing transformation and upgrading funds to drive social capital support for key enterprises in the satellite communication field. Encourage localities with industrial foundations and advantages to increase support and establish dedicated satellite communication funds.
(18) Strengthening Publicity and Promotion. Increase publicity efforts for satellite communication business opening policies and regulations, conduct good policy interpretation and public opinion guidance, and fully mobilize all parties' enthusiasm. Promptly summarize and refine experiences, practices, and typical cases, promote advanced experiences and measures that can be learned from and replicated, and create a favorable atmosphere for satellite communication industry development.
(19) Strengthening International Cooperation. Support enterprises in conducting international exchanges and cooperation, enhance global service capabilities, optimize global market layout, explore incorporating satellite communication international cooperation into cooperation mechanism frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS countries, and Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, and encourage Chinese satellite communication services to "go global".
Once again, if you are looking to reference any part of the document, please refer to the Chinese-language version hosted on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s website.
As of 2023 directives, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is responsible for formulating plans and policies for the development and industrialization of high-tech industries, guiding the construction of national science and technology parks such as national independent innovation demonstration zones and national high-tech industrial development zones, and overseeing the development of science and technology service industries.
'New quality productive forces’ refers to technology-driven increases in economic productivity via the upgrading of traditional production sectors and actively promoting technological upgrading of economic forces. The term, in official Chinese documents, was coined by Xi Jinping in late-2023 and early-2024.