China Sets New Rules for Direct-to-Satellite Mobile Services: What You Need to Know

Key Points

New Regulations: Seven Chinese government departments have jointly released the “Administrative Provisions on Direct-to-Satellite Services for Terminal Devices,” effective June 1, 2024.
Scope: The rules apply to providing and using direct-to-satellite services, and the production and sale of compatible devices within the People’s Republic of China (Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo 中华人民共和国).
Goals: The provisions aim to balance development and security, align direct-to-satellite services with existing laws (like the Cybersecurity Law), promote innovation, improve network coverage, and support applications in areas like disaster relief.
Market Access: Companies must obtain relevant licenses and approvals if accessing domestic networks or using radio frequencies in China and ensure infrastructure complies with laws and standards.

Big news for anyone watching the China tech scene – new regulations are dropping for direct-to-satellite services on mobile devices.

Let’s break down what’s happening.

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Seven Departments Unite for New Satellite Comms Rules

It’s not just one agency; a powerhouse group of seven Chinese government departments just released the “Administrative Provisions on Direct-to-Satellite Services for Terminal Devices”.

These new rules officially kick in on June 1, 2024.

Here’s the lineup of departments involved:

Government Departments Issuing the Provisions
Department Name
Cyberspace Administration of China (Guojia Hulianwang Xinxi Bangongshi 国家互联网信息办公室)
National Development and Reform Commission (Guojia Fazhan Gaige Wei 国家发展改革委)
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (Gongye he Xinxihua Bu 工业和信息化部)
Ministry of Public Security (Gong’an Bu 公an 部)
General Administration of Customs (Haiguan Zongshu 海关总署)
State Administration for Market Regulation (Shichang Jianguan Zhongju 市场监管总局)
National Radio and Television Administration (Guangdian Zongju 广电总局)

Why Now? Balancing Innovation and Security

According to an official from the Cyberspace Administration of China, these “Provisions” are crucial for a few key reasons:

Implementing Existing Laws: They align with major regulations like the Cybersecurity Law (“Wangluo Anquan Fa” 《网络安全法》), the Data Security Law (“Shuju Anquan Fa” 《数据安全法》), and the Telecommunications Regulations (“Dianxin Tiaoli” 《电信条例》). This signals a move towards integrating satellite services into the existing legal framework for digital tech in China.
Managing Growth: Direct-to-satellite connectivity isn’t just niche anymore; it’s described as a “global hotspot and trend” in mobile communications. Products and services are picking up speed fast. These rules aim to guide this rapid development.
Protecting Interests: The stated goal is to promote the healthy development of these services while safeguarding national security, public interest, and the rights of citizens and organizations.

The core principle here? Balancing development and security, and mixing innovation promotion with solid legal governance.

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What Do the Provisions Actually Cover?

These aren’t just suggestions; they are administrative rules that apply to several activities within the People’s Republic of China (Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo 中华人民共和国):

Scope of the New Direct-to-Satellite Provisions (Within P.R. China)
Activity Type	Covered by Provisions?
Providing direct-to-satellite services for terminal devices	Yes
Using direct-to-satellite services for terminal devices	Yes
Production, assembly, provision, and sale of terminal devices supporting direct-to-satellite services	Yes

Essentially, if you’re involved in bringing satellite connectivity directly to devices in the Chinese market, these rules apply to you.

Boosting Tech, Expanding Coverage, and Encouraging Key Applications

It’s not all just rules and regulations. The “Provisions” actively signal support for advancing this technology:

Tech Research: Encouraging R&D into direct-to-satellite technology for devices.
Integration: Promoting the integrated development of satellite communication and terrestrial mobile communication. Think seamless switching between cell towers and satellites.
New Applications: Supporting the exploration of innovative uses and business models derived from this tech integration.
Industrial Ecosystem: Aiming to build a complete and systematic industrial system around this tech in China.
Network Improvement: Using direct-to-satellite services to enhance China’s overall network coverage levels, especially in remote or underserved areas.
Specific Use Cases: Encouraging applications in vital areas like:
Data Utilization: Supporting the lawful development and utilization of relevant data generated by these services (linking back to data security laws).
Global Collaboration: Encouraging international exchange and cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit.

Encouraged Application Areas for Direct-to-Satellite Services
Application Area
Disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief
Safe production (industrial safety)
Fieldwork
Search and rescue operations

Key Requirements for Market Access

If you plan to offer these services or devices in the Chinese market, there are specific hoops to jump through:

Licensing & Approvals: If terminal devices access domestic public telecommunication networks or use radio frequencies within China, you must obtain the relevant licenses and approvals according to existing regulations.
Infrastructure Compliance: Any related infrastructure construction needs to comply with:
- Relevant laws and regulations.
- Provisions from competent authorities.
- Mandatory requirements of national standards.

This framework ensures that the expansion of Direct-to-Satellite Services in China happens in a structured and compliant manner, integrating it firmly within the country’s established regulatory landscape for telecommunications and technology.

FAQs

What are these new Chinese regulations about?

They are the “Administrative Provisions on Direct-to-Satellite Services for Terminal Devices,” a set of rules governing the provision, use, and manufacturing of devices offering direct satellite connectivity within China, effective June 1, 2024.

Who issued these rules?

Seven major Chinese government departments jointly issued them, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, MIIT, and NDRC.

Why were these rules introduced?

To manage the rapid growth of direct-to-satellite technology, ensure it aligns with existing laws (like cybersecurity and data security), protect national security and public interest, and promote healthy development and innovation in the sector.

What activities do the provisions cover?

They cover providing and using direct-to-satellite services within China, and the production, assembly, provision, and sale of compatible terminal devices within the country.

What are the main goals stated in the provisions?

The goals include supporting technological research, integrating satellite and terrestrial networks, improving nationwide network coverage, encouraging applications in areas like disaster relief and search & rescue, enabling lawful data use, and fostering international cooperation.

Are there specific requirements for companies?

Yes, companies need to obtain necessary licenses and approvals if their services/devices access domestic public telecom networks or use radio frequencies in China. Infrastructure construction must also comply with relevant laws, standards, and regulations.