MIIT: Promoting Direct Satellite Connectivity for Mobile Devices and Accelerating Widespread Adoption

Date: August 27, 2025

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) (Gongye He Xinxi Hua Bu 工业和信息化部) recently issued the “Guiding Opinions on Optimizing Business Access and Promoting the Development of the Satellite Communication Industry” (Guanyu Youhua Yewu Zhunru Cujin Weixing Tongxin Chanye Fazhan De Zhidao Yijian 关于优化业务准入促进卫星通信产业发展的意见).

This policy document outlines a vision for the satellite communication industry by 2030, aiming for significant advancements in management systems, policies, regulations, and overall industry environment.

The MIIT anticipates a vibrant industry where various operating entities innovate, and comprehensive development across infrastructure, industrial supply, technical standards, and international cooperation reaches new heights.

A key focus is the large-scale application of new models and formats, such as mobile device direct-to-satellite connectivity, with a goal of achieving over 10 million satellite communication users.

This initiative is designed to deeply integrate satellite communication into China’s new development paradigm, significantly contributing to the high-quality development of the economy and society.

The “Guiding Opinions” proposes 19 measures across six key areas to foster the high-quality development of the satellite communication industry:

1. Orderly expansion of market access
2. Continuous expansion of application scenarios
3. Cultivation and strengthening of the industrial ecosystem
4. Optimization of telecommunication resource supply
5. Strengthening satellite communication regulation
6. Enhancement of synergistic promotion efforts

MIIT’s 6 Key Areas for Satellite Communication Development

Area No.	Description
1	Orderly expansion of market access
2	Continuous expansion of application scenarios
3	Cultivation and strengthening of the industrial ecosystem
4	Optimization of telecommunication resource supply
5	Strengthening satellite communication regulation
6	Enhancement of synergistic promotion efforts

Full Text of the Opinion

Guiding Opinions on Optimizing Business Access and Promoting the Development of the Satellite Communication Industry

MIIT Information Management [2025] No. 180

To the industrial and information technology authorities of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, cities with separate plans, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps; to the communication administrations of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government; and to all relevant enterprises:

In adherence to the decisions and deployments of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, and to orderly promote the opening up of satellite communication services, foster high-quality development of the satellite communication industry, stimulate innovation in commercial aerospace, cultivate new productive forces, and support the construction of a manufacturing powerhouse, a cyber superpower, and Digital China, the following opinions are hereby issued.

Key Objectives and Timeline for China’s Satellite Communication Industry

Objective	Details / Target	Timeline
Management System & Environment	Refined and continuously optimized policies and regulations.	By 2030
Industry Development	Establishment of a standardized, coordinated, complementary, and win-win satellite communication industry development pattern.	By 2030
Innovation Vitality	Various operating entities fully unleash innovation vitality.	By 2030
Infrastructure & Supply	Significantly improved development level of infrastructure, industrial supply, technical standards, and international cooperation.	By 2030
Direct-to-Satellite Connectivity	Large-scale application of new models and formats such as direct-to-satellite mobile phone connectivity.	By 2030
User Base	Number of satellite communication users to exceed tens of millions.	By 2030
Integration	Deep integration into the new development paradigm, serving high-quality development of economy and society.	By 2030

I. Overall Requirements

Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for New Era, we will thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Second and Third Plenums of the 20th Central Committee.

We will fully, accurately, and comprehensively apply the new development philosophy, strengthen top-level design and policy coordination, and balance development and security.

Adhering to the principles of steady progress, establishing before breaking, differentiated policies, and integrated development, we will leverage optimized business access to enrich application scenarios, cultivate technology industries, optimize resource supply, and enhance governance capabilities.

This will fully unleash the development potential of China’s satellite communication industry, accelerate the establishment of a standardized, coordinated, complementary, and win-win satellite communication industry development pattern, and consolidate and enhance China’s competitive advantages and leading position in the information and communication industry.

By 2030, the satellite communication management system, policies, and regulations will be further refined, and the industry development environment will be continuously optimized.

Various operating entities will fully unleash their innovation vitality.

The comprehensive development level of infrastructure, industrial supply, technical standards, and international cooperation will be significantly improved.

New models and formats such as direct-to-satellite mobile phone connectivity will achieve large-scale application, and the number of satellite communication users will exceed tens of millions.

Satellite communication will be deeply integrated into the new development paradigm, powerfully serving the high-quality development of the economy and society.

II. Orderly Expansion of Market Access

• Supporting Accelerated Development of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Internet
• Supporting Development of Direct-to-Satellite Connectivity for Terminal Devices
• Supporting Exploration of New Satellite Communication Services

(I) Supporting the Accelerated Development of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Internet

We will accelerate the construction of satellite internet systems and application services, promoting their high-quality development.

Commercial trials for LEO satellite communication applications will be conducted in a timely manner, driving collaborative innovation across the upstream and downstream industrial chains.

This aims to achieve global broadband network coverage, providing high-speed satellite internet services to various users and continuously expanding diversified application scenarios.

(II) Supporting the Development of Direct-to-Satellite Connectivity for Terminal Devices

We support telecommunication operators in deeply exploring the application potential of high-orbit satellites, such as TianTong (天通) and BeiDou (北斗), through co-building and sharing models with satellite enterprises.

This will accelerate the promotion and application of direct-to-satellite connectivity for mobile phones and other terminal devices, providing voice and short message services via satellite for a wide range of terrestrial mobile communication users.

Telecommunication operators are encouraged to leverage LEO satellite internet to expand high-speed data services, in addition to voice and short message services, thereby promoting the integrated development of “space-to-earth” information infrastructure.

(III) Supporting the Exploration of New Satellite Communication Services

Commercial trials for satellite Internet of Things (IoT) will be organized.

Eligible enterprises will be supported to provide wide-area IoT connectivity services for areas beyond terrestrial network coverage, such as the sky, oceans, and remote regions, by utilizing LEO satellite IoT constellations.

The establishment of new satellite communication services will be explored to further open them up to private enterprises.

Private enterprises are encouraged to legally and compliantly use various high- and low-orbit in-orbit satellite resources through various commercial cooperation methods, such as leasing satellite resources, providing value-added services, and acting as distributors or agents, to activate existing satellite resources, enrich service types, and invigorate the satellite communication market.

III. Continuous Expansion of Application Scenarios

• Promoting Emergency Communication Applications
• Advancing Digital Inclusion Services
• Strengthening Integrated Application Innovation

(IV) Promoting Emergency Communication Applications

We will promote the application of satellite communication in emergency communication and other fields, prioritizing national emergency communication needs.

Comprehensive use of satellite communication resources, including TianTong (天通), High-Throughput Satellite (HTS), BeiDou (北斗) short message, satellite internet, and satellite IoT, will provide unified dispatch, efficient supply, and integrated application of satellite communication services for emergency response.

We will further deepen the application of satellite communication in emergency responses to natural disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and typhoons, as well as in production safety, outdoor operations, and search and rescue.

(V) Advancing Digital Inclusion Services

We encourage the provision of diversified network access services to remote, border, and geographically challenging areas through High-Throughput Satellites (HTS), LEO satellite internet, and other means.

This will further improve network coverage in China, reduce coverage costs, aid in universal telecommunication services, promote high-quality digital products, advance digital inclusion, foster social equity, and enhance public well-being.

(VI) Strengthening Integrated Application Innovation

We encourage innovative applications of satellite communication across various industries and sectors, including industry, agriculture, transportation, energy, and urban governance.

We will strengthen cross-integration with new-generation information infrastructures such as industrial internet, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), airborne communication, low-altitude intelligent networks, and computing networks.

This aims to promote direct-to-satellite connectivity for automobiles, ships, and aircraft, and vigorously develop popular and large-scale satellite communication applications.

We will also advance the interconnection and integrated application of BeiDou (北斗) short messages with public communication networks, enhancing service capabilities and fostering the growth of the BeiDou (北斗) short message industry ecosystem.

IV. Cultivating and Strengthening the Industrial Ecosystem

• Accelerating Breakthroughs in Key Core Technologies
• Building an Open and Shared Standard System
• Cultivating a Mutually Beneficial Industrial Ecosystem

(VII) Accelerating Breakthroughs in Key Core Technologies

We will continue to pursue breakthroughs in key core technologies for satellite communication and develop related products.

This will enhance the supply level of basic components, chips, and key terminal devices, improve the technical performance of satellite communication, reduce user costs, and promote the continuous iterative evolution of China’s satellite communication technology.

We will foster deep integration of satellite communication with new-generation information and communication technologies such as 5G/6G and Artificial Intelligence (AI), accelerating the innovation and development of satellite communication technologies like Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).

(VIII) Building an Open and Shared Standard System

We will unite industry forces to collectively build an open, shared, and space-ground integrated satellite communication standard system, formulating and improving national and industry standards for satellite communication technologies, products, and construction.

Leading enterprises are encouraged to play an active role in gradually achieving unified standards and compatible systems for satellite communication systems during development, promoting open sharing among satellite communication systems of different operators, and forming a synergy for development.

We will actively participate in the work of international standard organizations, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and regional standard organizations.

(IX) Cultivating a Mutually Beneficial Industrial Ecosystem

We will fully leverage China’s comprehensive advantages in land mobile communication technology, standards, and industry to drive the high-quality development of the satellite communication industry.

Enterprises are encouraged to engage in resource sharing and commercial cooperation around satellite and ground facilities, promoting the clustering and development of strategic emerging industries.

Satellite communication-related industry organizations will be established to build platforms for exchange and cooperation among industry, academia, research, and application, fostering an open, collaborative, and mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem.

V. Optimizing Telecommunication Resource Supply

• Scientifically Planning Satellite Communication Numbering Resources
• Advancing Innovative Management of Frequency and Orbit Resources

(X) Scientifically Planning Satellite Communication Numbering Resources

We will continuously track the development trends of the satellite communication industry and scientifically plan dedicated satellite communication number segments for specialized terminals, supporting the high-quality development of new formats such as satellite internet and satellite IoT.

For mobile phone terminals, we will innovate the “no card change, no number change” model, deeply explore the potential use of existing numbers, support the application of direct-to-satellite mobile phone connectivity, and promote the deep integration of satellite communication and terrestrial mobile communication.

Enterprises are supported in applying for international satellite communication numbers and actively expanding into international markets.

(XI) Advancing Innovative Management of Frequency and Orbit Resources

We will guide enterprises to actively participate in the revision of international rules for satellite radio frequencies and to carry out frequency and orbit resource declaration, coordination, and registration.

In response to the characteristics of low-earth orbit constellations, we will innovate satellite radio frequency and orbit resource management methods, issuing batch licenses for space radio stations and permits for radio frequency use, supporting the efficient construction and rapid development of China’s low-earth orbit constellations.

VI. Strengthening Satellite Communication Regulation

• Strengthening Satellite Communication Business Regulation
• Promoting Interconnection of Network Infrastructure
• Building a Solid Defense Line for Network and Data Security
• Diligently Ensuring Radio Communication

(XII) Strengthening Satellite Communication Business Regulation

We will further optimize market access, equipment network access, and other licensing and approval processes, maintain fair market competition, and construct a unified, open, and orderly competitive satellite communication market system.

We will enhance the service capabilities of satellite communication systems, continuously optimize user experience, and effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers.

We will optimize the telecommunication service classification catalog and study the establishment of relevant new services to provide institutional guarantees for further opening to various operating entities.

We will improve and perfect regulatory platforms, strengthening full-chain closed-loop management of satellite communication businesses.

(XIII) Promoting Interconnection of Network Infrastructure

We will continuously optimize network layout and formulate management measures for satellite gateways, guiding enterprises to establish gateways within China that meet national requirements, and strengthening supervision and management of satellite gateway construction and operation.

Star-ground interconnection centers will be built in accordance with national security and telecommunication inter-network interconnection requirements, promoting efficient interconnection between space and ground infrastructures.

We will enhance the international interconnection capabilities of satellite internet, establish a coordination mechanism between international submarine cables and satellite internet, forming land-sea complementary and space-ground coordinated international communication channels to reduce international communication risks in key regions.

(XIV) Building a Solid Defense Line for Network and Data Security

We will guide and urge enterprises to fulfill their national security responsibilities according to law.

In the design, construction, and operation of relevant systems, security technical measures will be simultaneously planned, built, and operated.

Requirements for communication network security protection, data classification and hierarchical protection, critical information infrastructure protection, cybersecurity hierarchical protection, and personal information protection will be implemented.

Information security technical measures will be built to ensure network, data, and information security.

We will strengthen real-name user management and implement technical safeguards against telecommunication and internet fraud.

(XV) Diligently Ensuring Radio Communication

We will strengthen the standardized management of space radio stations and satellite earth stations, increase satellite radio monitoring and interference investigation, promptly eliminate harmful interference, ensure the orderly conduct of satellite radio businesses, and maintain the order of electromagnetic waves in the air.

VII. Enhancing Synergistic Promotion Efforts

• Strengthening Organization and Coordination
• Strengthening Financial Guarantees
• Strengthening Publicity and Promotion
• Strengthening International Cooperation

(XVI) Strengthening Organization and Coordination

We will strengthen organizational leadership and overall coordination, improve work promotion mechanisms, strengthen inter-departmental collaboration, and promote the formation of synergy in opening up satellite communication services.

We will further consolidate work responsibilities, promptly coordinate and resolve major issues, prioritize key areas, strive for practical results, ensure the orderly progress of all work, and promote the implementation of key tasks.

(XVII) Strengthening Financial Guarantees

We will comprehensively utilize multiple funding channels to support basic research and core technology breakthroughs in satellite communication, enhancing the level of independent and controllable key technologies.

We will give full play to the guiding role of industrial funds, such as the Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrade Fund, to attract social capital to support key enterprises in the satellite communication sector.

Localities with industrial foundations and advantages are encouraged to increase their support and establish special funds for satellite communication.

(XVIII) Strengthening Publicity and Promotion

We will intensify the dissemination of policies and regulations on opening up satellite communication businesses, effectively interpret policies, and guide public opinion, fully mobilizing the enthusiasm of all parties.

We will timely summarize and refine experiences and typical cases, publicize and promote a batch of replicable and learnable advanced experiences and measures, and create a positive atmosphere for the development of the satellite communication industry.

(XIX) Strengthening International Cooperation

We will support enterprises in carrying out international exchanges and cooperation, enhancing global service capabilities, and optimizing the global market layout.

We will explore incorporating international cooperation in satellite communication into existing cooperation frameworks such as the “Belt and Road” Initiative, BRICS, and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization.

We encourage Chinese satellite communication services to “go global.”

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology

August 25, 2025

Quick take — why investors, founders, and product teams should care about direct-to-satellite connectivity

Direct-to-satellite connectivity is now at the center of national industrial policy.

The MIIT document lays out a clear path toward broad market access, large-scale LEO deployment, and integrated space-ground standards by 2030.

This creates a predictable regulatory runway for startups, network operators, and hardware makers.

For investors, that runway lowers policy execution risk and increases the addressable market for satellite-enabled consumer and industrial products.

For founders, the guidance signals practical commercial paths: direct-to-phone voice and short message services, LEO-based high-speed data, and satellite IoT for remote coverage.

For product teams and engineers, MIIT’s focus on standards, NTN, and interoperability implies an emphasis on compatibility and modular systems.

Top-level implications

• Market certainty: the policy creates a roadmap to scale direct-to-satellite mobile services to >10 million users by 2030.
• Multiple growth engines: LEO internet, HTS, TianTong (天通), BeiDou (北斗), and satellite IoT are all promoted simultaneously.
• Standards-first approach: open, shared standards and active 3GPP and ITU participation reduce fragmentation risks.
• Security and regulation: strong requirements on gateways, data protection, and spectrum management mean compliance is a must, not optional.

Actionable playbook — what to build or fund right now

Every bullet here ties directly back to MIIT’s stated priorities.

• Direct-to-mobile apps and integration stacks.
  
  Build lightweight middleware that lets phones failover to satellite for voice and SMS while preserving numbers via the “no card change, no number change” model.
• Satellite IoT verticals.
  
  Target industries that need wide-area telemetry — maritime, logistics, energy infrastructure, and remote environmental sensors.
• Gateway and interconnect infrastructure.
  
  Consider regional gateway ops that comply with domestic requirements and enable star-ground interconnection.
• Chipsets and terminal hardware.
  
  Invest in low-cost, power-efficient terminals and antenna modules that accelerate consumer adoption and lower unit economics.
• Standards, testing, and certification services.
  
  Provide interoperability testing and certification for NTN, LEO, HTS, and BeiDou (北斗) integrations.
• Compliance and security tooling.
  
  Offer turnkey solutions for real-name management, data classification, and critical infrastructure protection that meet MIIT’s security directives.

Product & technical notes investors should flag

• NTN and 5G/6G integration.
  
  Look for companies that can bridge satellite and terrestrial stacks at the RAN and core network layers.
• Power and antenna tradeoffs.
  
  Terminal design will determine consumer product form factors and pricing.
• Spectrum and orbit coordination.
  
  Players that can navigate batch licensing and international radio-frequency coordination will have a competitive advantage.
• Gateway localization.
  
  Domestic gateway requirements create a moat for local operators and partners who can own the landing infrastructure.

Policy & regulation — what to expect on the ground

• Phased opening.
  
  Market access will expand in an “orderly” fashion with pilots, commercial trials, and staged licensing.
• Stronger supervision.
  
  Expect more regulatory controls on satellite gateway construction, spectrum use, and cross-border interconnection.
• Security-first compliance.
  
  Companies must bake in data classification, network security, and real-name management from day one.

Commercial opportunities and go-to-market advice

• Target enterprise early adopters.
  
  Emergency response, utilities, and logistics teams care about coverage and reliability and will pay for predictable SLAs.
• Bundle satellite as a resilience feature.
  
  Sell satellite as an add-on to existing mobile or IoT plans for redundancy and coverage guarantees.
• Partner with telcos and satellite constellations.
  
  Co-build, lease, or resell arrangements are explicitly encouraged by MIIT and reduce go-to-market friction.
• Prepare for international scale.
  
  The guidance encourages “going global” via Belt and Road, BRICS, and other cooperation frameworks — plan compliance-first expansion.

Risks to monitor

• Regulatory changes.
  
  Policies may evolve; companies need flexible product architectures and legal teams ready to iterate.
• Interference and spectrum contention.
  
  Radio interference is an operational risk; monitoring and mitigation capabilities are essential.
• Security mandates.
  
  Non-compliance on data or gateway rules can lead to serious penalties and market access loss.

Linking opportunities (quick wins for content & PR)

• MIIT pages: link to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for authoritative policy text and updates.
• Standards bodies: link to ITU and 3GPP when discussing NTN, spectrum coordination, or global standards work.
• Industry case studies: link to pilots and vendor pages that showcase direct-to-satellite phone or IoT deployments once public.
• Gateway and security guidance: link to compliance resources that explain domestic gateway and data protection requirements.

Execution checklist for teams

• Map your product to one MIIT priority: consumer mobile, satellite IoT, emergency services, or infrastructure.
• Define a compliance roadmap covering gateways, spectrum, and data security.
• Design terminal hardware and software for “no card change, no number change” user scenarios.
• Engage standards & testing partners early to avoid interoperability issues.
• Line up telco partners for co-build, leasing, or resale arrangements.

Final thought

The MIIT guidance makes it clear that direct-to-satellite connectivity is an official strategic priority that blends industrial policy, standards play, and commercial market creation.

If you’re an investor, founder, or product leader, now is the time to align bets with the policy levers the government is offering — from pilots and spectrum coordination to gateway rules and funding channels.

Direct-to-satellite connectivity is moving from experimental to mainstream, and this document is the map for who moves fast and who gets left behind.

References

• Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – Official Website
• 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) – Official Website

direct-to-satellite connectivity