Imagine never losing your signal, whether youre navigating stormy seas, trekking in remote mountains, or responding to a natural disaster. Thats the promise of direct-to-cell satellite mobile services—and China Unicom just secured government approval to make it a reality.
On the Chinese mainland, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced this week that it has granted China Unicom a license to operate satellite mobile communication services. This green light allows the carrier to beam direct-to-cell satellite coverage directly to everyday devices, targeting emergency response, maritime traffic, and users in hard-to-reach regions.
China Telecom blazed the trail earlier, earning its license and launching satellite-to-mobile services in 2023. Meanwhile, China Mobile currently offers satellite-based short messaging via the BeiDou system, mainly to fill gaps where terrestrial networks fall short. Now, all three major operators are racing to expand their satellite portfolios, with China Mobile actively applying for a direct-to-cell license.
Last month, MIIT unveiled new guidelines aimed at optimizing market access and promoting high-quality development throughout the satellite communication sector. By 2030, the Chinese mainland plans to revamp policies, regulations, and industrial supportboosting the integration of infrastructure, supply chains, technical standards, and international cooperation.
The roadmap prioritizes rapid growth of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet by state-owned enterprises, encourages telecom operators to roll out direct-to-device services, and opens doors for private players in emerging fields like satellite IoT. As the supply chain accelerates commercialization, experts expect a competitive yet collaborative environment to drive affordability and innovation.
For young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and digital nomads, this evolution means fresh opportunitiesfrom satellite-enabled apps and devices to new business models bridging digital divides. And for the average global citizen, it promises a future where you can stay connected, share stories, and access help anytime, anywhere.
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China Unicom granted license to operate satellite mobile services
cgtn.com
